NEW DELHI: In yet another proud moment for Jammu and Kashmir, Gulmarg has been selected for the editor's choice award in the Most Instagrammeable Category in prestigious India Today Tourism Survey and Awards 2025 event which held today at New Delhi. Minister for FCS& CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings Satish Sharma, received the prestigious award on behalf of J&K Government. He was presented the award from Union Minister for Tourism and Culture, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat.

While addressing the gathering, the Minister extended his heartfelt gratitude to India Today group for the honour. He said that he is feeling highly privileged at this prestigious platform. The Minister exhorted that it is really a proud moment to receive this prestigious award on behalf of J&K government.  He asserted that Gulmarg is one of the world famous tourist destinations and has been selected for the editor choice award in the most Instagrammable landscape category.

He said that tourism is not only an industry, but, it is a bridge that connects various cultures. It acts as a catalyst for economic growth and reflection of a region's rich heritage and natural splendor. He reiterated that J&K is known for its breathtaking landscape, rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality and this award is a testament to our growing tourism potential.

The Minister informed that J&K has recorded an unprecedented number of tourists arrival from past two years reaffirming its status as crown jewel of the Indian tourism. "From the pristine valleys of Kashmir to the spiritual and adventurous landscape of Jammu, our tourism sector is flourishing like never before", he added.

Satish Sharma said that J&K government, under the dynamic leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, is keen to promote tourism. He has taken several steps to strengthen the tourism sector in different categories like infrastructure development, border and eco-tourism, cultural heritage tourism, adventure and wellness tourism, film and destination wedding.

He also invited the investors, travel enthusiasts and industrial leaders to explore the endless possibilities of J&K. The Minister said that J&K has much more potential in tourism sector which needs to be explored and urged for Centre's necessary support to make J&K a tourism powerhouse.

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

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