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

JAMMU:  Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary today inaugurated ODOP Fest, Buyer Seller Meet, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO) under the One District One Product (ODOP) and Districts as Export Hubs (DEH) initiatives at Convention Centre, Jammu.  The event is being held under the theme and tagline “Connecting District Treasures to National Markets.”

The event aims to promote the unique ODOP products of Jammu and Kashmir and provide a strong national level platform to the local producers, artisans and enterprises to connect directly with buyers from across India.  The inauguration ceremony was also attended by the senior officers from the Industries & Commerce Department and other officials.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister underscored the importance of the ODOP initiative in promoting district-specific products, strengthening grassroots entrepreneurship and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities. He emphasized that platforms such as the ODOP Fest play a vital role in connecting the local producers with wider markets, enhancing exports and positioning Jammu and Kashmir’s unique products in national and global value chains.

Addressing the participants,  Sudershan Kumar, Managing Director, JKTPO, stated that the ODOP Fest has been conceptualised as a flagship trade promotion platform aimed at connecting the district treasures to national markets by facilitating structured buyer–seller interactions, promoting branding of ODOP products and creating sustainable domestic and export market linkages.

The ODOP Fest features 20 district specific stalls showcasing notified ODOP and DEH products, structured Buyer–Seller (B2B) meetings, participation of around 25 national buyers from various states across the country including New Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Bangalore and Chandigarh. The initiative was aimed to strengthen the market access and business opportunities for ODOP sellers of the region and a Retail and Consumer (B2C) zone, providing direct sales and market exposure opportunities.

The event also included awareness sessions on export and various government schemes, aimed at improving the export awareness and readiness among local producers.

The event aimed to enhance visibility, branding and sales of ODOP and DEH products, establish long-term buyer and export linkages and further strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s position as a competitive sourcing destination for high-quality, district-specific products, in alignment with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Vocal for Local. The Managing Director, JKTPO, informed that the next ODOP Buyer Seller Meet has been proposed to be held in March 2026 in the Kashmir region.

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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