• Records enthusiastic participation from students, artisans and local community

BUDGAM:The second day of the three-day cultural and heritage workshop “Naqsh-e-Meeras” was today successfully conducted at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), Budgam, with enthusiastic participation from students, artisans, youth and members of the local community.

The workshop, being organised by the District Administration Budgam under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-din Bhat, in collaboration with the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) and NIFT Budgam, aims to promote, preserve and revive the rich traditional art and craft heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, while strengthening connections between younger generations and authentic handcrafted traditions.

Day 2 of the programme witnessed vibrant cultural and creative activities focused on showcasing Kashmir’s indigenous crafts and artistic skills.  Multiple stalls displayed a wide range of traditional art forms including Paper Machie, Kani weaving, Sozni embroidery, Kangri making, cooper making, wood carving and other age-old crafts, attracting large footfall and appreciation from visitors.

Live demonstrations of traditional techniques were also organised, allowing participants to closely observe and understand the intricate processes involved in heritage crafts. Activities such as yarn weaving and other traditional methods provided hands-on learning opportunities, helping bridge the gap between traditional knowledge and modern audiences.

Various creative competitions and interactive sessions were held for students and young artists, including painting, sketching and calligraphy, aimed at nurturing creativity and encouraging appreciation for cultural heritage among youth.

An exclusive art gallery continued to draw attention, featuring iconic paintings depicting old Jammu & Kashmir, offering visitors a visual journey through the region’s rich cultural, historical and artistic legacy.

Besides, guests from Indra Gandhi National centre  for Arts ,Senior district officers including GM DIC Budgam Zahid Rashid, SDM Beerwah Taufeeq Gazi, Chief Planning Officer Budgam Javaid Ahmad Najar, along with other officers of the district administration, visited the venue and interacted with artisans, students and organisers.

Large participation was recorded from students of various schools and colleges, local youth, Self Help Groups (SHGs), traditional artisans and members of the general public, reflecting strong community engagement and growing interest in heritage preservation and promotion of local crafts.

The ongoing workshop continues to serve as an important platform for artisan empowerment, youth engagement and promotion of indigenous crafts, while aligning with the spirit of Vocal for Local by encouraging the adoption and support of locally made, authentic handcrafted products.

The three-day workshop will conclude tomorrow with further cultural activities, exhibitions and interactive sessions aimed at strengthening sustainable livelihood opportunities for local artisans and preserving the region’s rich cultural identity.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇