KATHUA: Kathua Campus (JU), University Institute of Engineering and Technology (UIET), organized a Debate Competition and Poster Making Competition on April 29, 2026, under the nationwide initiative Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan to spread awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse and to encourage youth to contribute towards building a drug-free society.

The programme commenced with a Pledge Taking Ceremony, wherein faculty members and students committed themselves to leading a life free from drugs and to spreading awareness about its ill effects among their peers and society, thereby promoting social responsibility and healthy habits.

Following the pledge, a debate competition was organized on the topic, “Does the desire to fit in lead students to experiment with drugs?” Students presented arguments both for and against the motion, highlighting the social, psychological, and economic consequences of drug addiction. The competition was judged by faculty members, namely Er. Javaid Ahmad, Er. Akhil Kumar, Dr. Seema Jamwal, and Dr. Vivudh Gupta. Mahir Gautam, Gurpreet Singh, and Sharang Vashisht secured first, second, and third positions, respectively.

Another activity of the day featured a Poster Making Competition on the theme, “Choose Health, Choose Happiness: Future is worth more than Drugs,” which witnessed enthusiastic participation from the students of UIET. The competition encouraged students to creatively depict the message of a drug-free society. Through artistic expression, participants highlighted critical issues such as a healthy lifestyle and social responsibility. The posters were evaluated by Dr. Reemani Verma and Er. Sushant Gagal. Shreya secured the first position, while the second position was jointly shared by Rashi and Priya Devi, and Riya Chaudhary secured the third position.

Prof. Arvind Jasrotia, Rector/Coordinator, UIET, Kathua Campus, in his message, sensitized the stakeholders about drug addiction and emphasized the importance of a drug-free nation. Dr. Rockey Gupta, I/C Principal, UIET, Kathua Campus, highlighted the ill effects of drugs and substance abuse among faculty members and students, and motivated young minds to actively participate in building a drug-free India while promoting creativity and critical thinking through debates and artistic expression. Dr. Reemani Verma served as the Event Coordinator for both the Debate Competition and Poster Making Competition organized under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

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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