SRINAGAR: The Department of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks, Kashmir has announced the winners of the Reel and Photography Competitions organised to engage the youth in promotion and publicity of the Chrysanthemum Theme Garden, which was opened to the public on 25th October 2025.

The development of the Chrysanthemum Theme Garden is a vital step toward creating year-round engagement opportunities for local visitors and tourists and making the autumn season more vibrant and floriferous, thereby boosting Kashmir’s autumn tourism sector.

These competitions form a part of the Department’s ongoing initiatives to engage youth and promote garden tourism, reflecting its commitment to fostering creativity, participation, and appreciation of Kashmir’s rich floral heritage.

A committee, with representatives of the Department, Information Department and NIFT Srinagar, constituted for the purpose evaluated the entries based on various predefined guidelines and selected the top performers for both categories. 1st, 2nd and 3rd winners in each competition will receive a citation along with a cash prize of ₹20,000, ₹10,000 and ₹5,000 respectively.

In the Reel Competition, Aziz-ul-Rehman, Siraj-ud-Din and Aqib Bashir secured the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions, respectively. In the Photography Competition, Mohammad Aslam Bhat, Ansaar Ahmad and Aziz-ul-Rehman were adjudged 1st, 2nd and 3rd respectively. The date for the felicitation ceremony of the winners will be announced separately.

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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