In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Jammu & Kashmir, Atal Dulloo today flagged off the contingent of artists of the Jammu & Kashmir Tableau who will perform at Kartavya Path, New Delhi, during the Republic Day Parade–2026. The artists will be part of the J&K Tableau representing the Union Territory on the national stage. The flag-off ceremony was held today at K. L. Saigal Hall, Jammu.

The event was held in the presence of Principal Secretary, Culture Department, Brij Mohan Sharma; Secretary, JKAACL, Harvinder Kour;  Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Sonali Arun Gupta; Additional Secretary, JKAACL, Lal Chand,  besides other senior officers of JKAACL.

The Jammu & Kashmir tableau at the Republic Day Parade 2026 presents a vibrant fusion of the Union Territory’s renowned handicrafts and folk traditions. It showcases iconic crafts such as Pashmina weaving, walnut wood carving, carpet weaving, papier-mâchié, copperware and Basohli miniature paintings, reflecting generations of refined craftsmanship.

The visual narrative opens with a grand engraved Samovar symbolising Kashmiri hospitality, flowing through traditional wooden architecture and houseboat imagery. At the centre, the DograChhajja performance on a village Thadda represents community life and cultural continuity, while spirited folk dances—Rouf, Kud, Jagarna, Pahari, Gojri and Dumhal—add rhythm and movement. The tableau concludes with colourful papier-mâché artefacts in a willow basket, presenting Jammu & Kashmir as a living canvas of art, tradition and creativity. The flag-off ceremony marked a moment of pride as the artists prepared to showcase the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir before the nation on Republic Day 2026.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  Read the message here
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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