POONCH: The Baisakhi festival was celebrated with immense enthusiasm, devotion and spiritual fervour in Poonch. The grand religious programme was organized in the presence of Sant Mahant Manjit Singh Ji, Head of Dera Santpura Nangali Sahib Poonch. A large number of devotees from different areas thronged the venue and paid obeisance at the Gurudwara.

Several dignitaries, including MLA Haveli Aijaz Ahmed Jan, DIG Rajouri-Poonch Sandeep Wazir, Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma, ADC Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, SSP Poonch Shafqat Hussain Bhat, ACR Muad Sayeed, Tehsildar Haveli Azhar Majid, DySP Headquarters Neeraj Sharma, DySP DAR and SHO along with officers from the Army including Lt.Colonel, Major and other senior officers were also present and paid their respects.

The Gurdwara Committee honoured the dignitaries, who extended warm Baisakhi greetings to the devotees and saints present on the occasion. The Health Department set up a medical stall where doctors were available to provide free check-ups to the devotees besides some other departments also setup departmental stalls.

The celebrations were marked by soulful Gurbani Kirtan recited by renowned Ragi Jathas, creating a deeply spiritual atmosphere. During the programme, S. Harcharan Singh, General Secretary of DGPC conducted the proceedings. Prominent speakers including S. Narinder Singh, President DGPC, Anmol Singh of Shri Guru Ramdas Sewa Society Poonch, S. Balbir Singh, Dr. Netar Singh and other religious leaders addressed the gathering. They highlighted the significance of Baisakhi and elaborated on Sikh history, especially the creation of the Khalsa Panth by Guru Gobind Singh Ji in 1699.

In his address, Sant Mahant Manjit Singh Ji extended heartfelt greetings on Baisakhi and emphasized the importance of following Sikh Rehat Maryada. He urged the community to walk on the path shown by the Gurus, respect their sacrifices and uphold the values of Sikhism with dignity. The programme concluded with the recitation of Hukamnama from Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji, followed by Guru Ka Langar, which was served to all devotees.

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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