JAMMU: A five-day Capacity Building Workshop for faculty members, organized by the Department of Buddhist Studies in collaboration with the Malviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC), University of Jammu, concluded successfully today. The workshop, held from February 9th to 13th, 2026, aimed to enhance the pedagogical and research skills of educators from across the region.

The valedictory function was graced by Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Regional Director, IGNOU, as the Chief Guest. Prof. S.K. Pandita, Director of MMTTC, attended as the Guest of Honor. 

Delivering the keynote address, Chief Guest Dr. Sandeep Gupta underscored the critical importance of such capacity-building initiatives. He highlighted that these programs are essential for equipping teachers to meet the evolving demands of higher education, particularly in the digital era. Dr. Gupta also took the opportunity to commend the Department of Buddhist Studies, noting that the department is dedicated to the advanced study and research of Buddhist philosophy, art, and culture, contributing significantly to the academic landscape of the region. He reiterated the need for continuous professional development to maintain academic standards and praised the department for its role in hosting such a vital workshop.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the workshop's academic rigor, Ph.D. Research Scholars Ms. Ginny Sharma and Ms. Ruchika Sharma introduced the esteemed Resource Persons and presented a detailed report on the lectures delivered. The workshop featured a distinguished panel of nineteen resource persons from premier institutions, including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi; Panjab University, Chandigarh; Nava Nalanda Mahavihara, Nalanda, Bihar; the Central University of Jammu; and the University of Jammu.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. S.K. Pandita lauded the Department of Buddhist Studies and the organizing team for conducting a well-structured and impactful workshop. He encouraged the participants to actively apply the knowledge and skills acquired to foster academic excellence and drive institutional growth within their respective institutions.

Earlier in his welcome address, the Head, Department of Buddhist Studies, Prof. Mohd. Reyaz Ahmad, extended a warm greeting to the Chief Guest, the Guest of Honor, and all participating faculty members. He emphasized the department's commitment to fostering academic dialogue and professional growth. The valedictory session concluded with the distribution of certificates to the participants. A formal vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Vivek Sharma. Dr. Vivek Sharma and Dr. Rajesh Sharma were the coordinators of the five-day workshop. 

The proceedings were coordinated by Dr. Rajesh Sharma. The event was attended by the core organizing team and faculty members/non-teaching staff of the Department of Buddhist Studies, along with more than 30 participants from the University of Jammu and various Degree Colleges located in the far-flung areas of Jammu & Kashmir.

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 👇