KATRA: Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha today paid obeisance at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine and prayed for the peace, prosperity and progress of the UT of Jammu Kashmir. During his visit to the Holy Shrine, the Lt Governor inaugurated and dedicated the new Yagyashala facility at Bhawan to the devotees.

The Yagyashala, an integral part of the religious landscape, has been meticulously designed and constructed to enhance spiritual practices at Bhawan. It will serve the religious needs of devotees and address pilgrims keen to experience and participate in the religious rituals.

The newly constructed Yagyashala, situated near the old Bathing Ghat below the Atka area at main Bhawan, comprises five Hawan Kunds spread across 1600 square feet. This expansive design enables a threefold increase in capacity, allowing 10 groups of pilgrims to perform Hawan Poojan concurrently, up from the previous limit of three groups.

Additionally, an approach gallery with a covered area of 1100 sq. ft. has been created, leading up to the Yagyashala. This gallery can accommodate more than 100 pilgrims during the Shat Chandi Mahayagya, conducted regularly during Navratras.

Dr. Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Sh Anshul Garg, CEO, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Sh Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner, Reasi; Ms Mohita Sharma, SSP Reasi; officials of the Shrine Board and devotees in large number were present on the occasion.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡