JAMMU: To mark International Women’s Day, Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) staged the renowned Hindi play “Komal Gandhar”, written by eminent playwright Shankar Shesh, at Abhinav Theatre on Sunday evening.

Former Minister, Priya Sethi graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and appreciated JKAACL for presenting such a wonderful theatrical production. She lauded the efforts of the Academy in organizing meaningful cultural programmes and also appreciated the artists for their powerful performances. The event, organized under the guidance of Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Harvinder Kour, reflected the Academy’s continued commitment to promoting theatre and meaningful cultural expression in Jammu and Kashmir.

The play was directed by noted theatre personality Bhupinder Jamwal and witnessed an enthusiastic response from theatre lovers, artists, students and people from all walks of life.

The audience highly appreciated the performances of the artists. Arvind Anand portrayed Bhishma with remarkable intensity, while Gurmeet Jamwal delivered a compelling performance as Gandhari. Soham Kashyap as Sanjaya, Mukesh Bakshi as Shakuni, Balwinder Singh as Dhritarashtra, Rishab Manhas as Duryodhan, and Deepshikha as Dasi also impressed the audience with their strong stage presence. The chorus included Sahil Bazaz, Narved Singh Jamwal, Rakesh Kumar, and Dhariya Singh.

The production was particularly notable for its aesthetically rich stage design by eminent theatre personality Deepak Kumar, whose thoughtfully crafted sets created a powerful visual backdrop for the play and effectively evoked the epic atmosphere required for the narrative.

Other production credits included Ashish Sharma for Music Operation; Pankaj Sharma and Aditya Bharti for Light Design and Execution; Sahil Qureshi for Costume Design; Shiv Dev Singh and Pintu Bhat for Make-up; Ajay Kumar for Props and Set Execution; and Jyeshtha Jamwal for Brochure and Poster Design. Ravi Sharma and Sahil Bazaz served as Assistant Directors, while Mohit Singh Chib worked as Production Manager.

Secretary, JKAACL presented the vote of thanks and appreciated the artists for their commendable performances as well as the audience for their enthusiastic participation and support to theatre activities of the Academy.

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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