JAMMU: The Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), J&K Council today organised the 6th Edition of ASSOCHAM J&K Women Achievers – 2026 at Hotel Radisson Blu, Jammu, to recognise and celebrate the outstanding achievements and contributions of women from across Jammu & Kashmir in diverse sectors.

Avny Lavasa, Secretary, Transport Department, Jammu & Kashmir, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Subah Mehta, Joint Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, attended as the Guest of Honour. Aijaz Qaiser, Joint Director, Tourism, Jammu, was present as the Special Guest and Jury Member for the awards.

In his Welcome Address, Manik Batra, Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, highlighted the importance of recognising women leaders and entrepreneurs who are making a significant impact in their respective fields. He emphasized that initiatives like the ASSOCHAM Women Achievers Awards aim to create role models who inspire the next generation of women to pursue entrepreneurship and leadership.

The jury for the awards, comprising Aijaz Qaiser, Manik Batra and Bhupesh Gupta, evaluated the nominations received from across the Union Territory and selected the awardees in various categories.

The ASSOCHAM J&K Women Achievers Awards – 2026 were presented to:

  • Renuka Sharma, CEO, QE Electricals –Manufacturing
    • Vandana Gupta, Euro Toddlers – Education
    • Ambika Salathia, Director, Rapture Biotech – Startup & Innovation
    • Shubra Jamwal, Eventful by Shubra – RBC Group – Startup & Innovation
    • Pooja Vaid, Shine N Glow – Beauty & Wellness
    • Rekha Khajuria, CEO, Star Housing & Certified Properties – Retail
    • Rashmi Sharma, Dainik Shiv Times – Media

In addition to the awardees, several other inspiring women entrepreneurs and professionals who had submitted nominations were also felicitated with Participation Certificates in recognition of their efforts and contributions.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Avny Lavasa appreciated ASSOCHAM for creating a platform that celebrates women achievers and encourages women entrepreneurship and leadership in the region.

In her address, Guest of Honour Subah Mehta emphasised the importance of empowering women through opportunities, recognition and institutional support.

In his concluding remarks, Bhupesh Gupta, Co-Chairman, ASSOCHAM J&K Council, congratulated all the awardees and participants and reiterated ASSOCHAM’s commitment towards promoting women-led enterprises and encouraging entrepreneurship in Jammu & Kashmir.

The event witnessed participation from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, professionals, representatives from financial institutions and civil society. ASSOCHAM also expressed its gratitude to the partners for supporting the initiative, including Batra Group, J&K Bank, QE Electricals, Media Partner- JK News Today and Logo Partner – KC Wheat Products.

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
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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