JAMMU:  Director Health Services Jammu Dr. Abdul Hamid Zargar on Friday released a Comprehensive book on Mental Health here at the chamber of the Directorate. The launch event was held in the presence of  Deputy Director Dentistry Dr. Sanjay Sharma; Chief Accounts Officer/Financial Advisor Rajni Gupta; State Tuberculosis Officer Jammu  Dr. Jyoti Jolly; Assistant Director Dr. Simmi; Assistant Director Dr. Ila Gupta (Schemes) along with other officers and officials of the Directorate.

The book "Brief Manual (Sign & Symptoms) of Common Mental Disorders for Self Help Groups" is written by Dr. Ila Gupta (AD Schemes/ Nodal officer NMHP, DHSJ) and Dr. Akhil Menia (Psychiatrist and Divisional Nodal officer) to encourage Mental Health Awareness in the community settings.

The book is written in three languages (English, Hindi and Urdu) widely spoken across J&K (UT), so that peripheral health care workers working at community level can easily identify signs and symptoms of common Mental disorders (including substance use disorders) and help them provide timely intervention and referral for further treatment to the nearby government health facilities.

This initiative aims to strengthen grassroots-level healthcare by equipping frontline workers with practical knowledge for early detection. By improving awareness and recognition, the book is expected to facilitate timely intervention and ensure appropriate referral of patients to nearby government health facilities for further evaluation and treatment.

The Directorate emphasized that this effort reflects its continued commitment to enhancing Mental Healthcare Services and promoting accessible, inclusive and community-based care across the 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
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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