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

SRINAGAR: At a time when Jammu & Kashmir is repeatedly discussed in policy files, debates, and development promises, the ice rink at Gulmarg delivered a reality check the nation cannot ignore. Aadil Manzoor Peer, with 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals at the 12th Senior National Ice Stock Championship 2026 (23–25 January, Gulmarg), did what years of reports and resolutions could not—he proved that excellence already exists, even without adequate policy backing.

This achievement is not accidental. It is earned in silence, sustained through struggle, and achieved despite systemic neglect.

 A Medal That Questions the System

Aadil’s dominance on ice is a direct outcome of personal discipline, community support, and sheer resilience, not institutional comfort. Competing in one of India’s most expensive and infrastructure-heavy sports, he continues to perform without world-class facilities, permanent rinks, or structured national funding.

His medals therefore raise a critical question:

If this is what an athlete from Jammu & Kashmir can achieve with limited support, what could be possible with serious policy intervention?

Alongside Aadil stood his teammates Mohammad Sarfaraz, Faheem Masood Shah, and Ishfaq Ahmad—young men who represent hundreds of unseen athletes across the Valley, training in harsh winters with minimal exposure and almost no sponsorship.

Their performance underlines a powerful truth:

Jammu & Kashmir does not lack talent—it lacks sustained policy vision in winter sports.

Behind this success stands Coach Irfan Aziz and Mohd Iqbal whose work is a lesson in how grassroots coaching survives without institutional security. Whose contribution highlights the urgent need for formal coaching cadres, long-term contracts, and scientific training support in winter disciplines.

The efforts of the Indian Ice Stock Sport Federation deserve recognition for keeping the sport alive nationally, but Aadil’s success once again exposes the gap between national aspirations and on-ground investment.

Similarly, the Jammu and Kashmir Ice Stock Sport Association continues to function under constraints that no high-performance ecosystem should accept—limited budgets, seasonal infrastructure, and short-term planning.

 A Clear Policy Message from Gulmarg

Aadil Manzoor Peer’s medals are not just an achievement—they are an appeal.

An appeal for:

Permanent ice rinks in J&K

Inclusion of winter sports in mainstream funding schemes

Athlete scholarships and international exposure

Recognition of winter athletes at par with mainstream disciplines

If governments truly believe that sports can be a tool for youth engagement, peace, and national integration, then Jammu & Kashmir’s winter athletes must move from symbolic praise to structured support.

As the ice of Gulmarg witnessed history, one message became unavoidable:
Policy can no longer afford to ignore performance.
And Aadil Manzoor Peer has made that neglect visible to the nation.

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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