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SHOPIAN: The first-ever ‘Jashn-e-Harud’, organised by the District Administration Shopian, was celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervour in Shopian today, witnessing an overwhelming public response and huge participation from people from different parts of the district. 

 MLA Zainapora Showkat Hussain Ganie, MLA Shopian Shabir Ahmad Kullay, Deputy Commissioner Charandeep Singh, Senior Superintendent of Police Mushtaq Ahmed Choudhary, other officers and people from all corners of Shopian participated in the festival.

The event showcased the rich heritage, vibrant culture, traditional art and timeless traditions of Shopian through a variety of activities and exhibitions. A number of departmental and thematic stalls were set up on the occasion, showcasing various welfare schemes, developmental initiatives, local products, traditional crafts, artefacts, horticulture produce and achievements of different departments. 

Cultural programmes, including traditional performances, folk songs,  and other activities, further added colour to the celebrations. Speaking on the occasion, the DC highlighted the unique significance of the Harud season for Shopian, described it as not merely a season but an integral part of the district’s identity, deeply connected with its horticultural economy and way of life.

He said that Shopian is predominantly a horticultural district and Harud marks the period when farmers reap the fruits of their hard work. He added that for the people of Shopian, Harud represents not only an season but also an economic harvest, given the central role of horticulture in the district’s economy.

The DC said that there is significant scope for further development of horticulture-related enterprises and value addition in the district. He emphasised the need to establish and promote more horticulture-based enterprises to generate employment, strengthen the local economy and provide greater returns to farmers.

He assured that the District Administration is committed to promoting horticulture-related enterprises and supporting initiatives aimed at creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the people.

The DC also stressed the importance of environment-conscious and sustainable development, stating that development must go hand in hand with environmental responsibility and preservation of the district’s natural wealth.

Success stories of beneficiaries were also presented, with beneficiaries highlighting their journeys in establishing successful ventures and adopting agri-allied farming activities. The celebrations continued with enthusiastic participation from the public, with visitors appreciating the stalls, exhibits, local products, artefacts and cultural performances showcased during the event.

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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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