• Volleyball matches organised across 19 blocks to engage youth, curb drug abuse at grassroots level

KATHUA: With a focused approach to engage youth in constructive activities and strengthen sports culture at the grassroots level, District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, today organised volleyball matches across all 19 blocks of the district under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

The initiative, held on the direction of Deputy Commissioner, Rajesh Sharma, is aimed at reaching youth in rural and far-flung areas where access to structured recreational avenues often remains limited. By taking sports activities to village-level institutions and panchayat areas, the administration seeks to provide a positive platform for youth engagement and deter them from falling prey to substance abuse.

Implemented by the Department of Youth Services and Sports Kathua under the supervision of District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Sunil Singh Sambyal, the matches witnessed enthusiastic participation of youth across all blocks.

The DC Rajesh Sharma said that the administration is adopting a community-driven approach by involving local institutions and youth at the block level, ensuring sustained participation and ownership of such initiatives to build a healthier and more aware society. “The initiative is part of our continuous efforts to promote a drug-free lifestyle by integrating sports into daily life, especially in rural landscapes where such interventions can have a transformative community impact”, he added.

Over 500 youth participated in the matches and also took the Nasha Mukt pledge. All Zonal Physical Education Officers ensured smooth conduct of the events in their respective jurisdictions. Earlier, sports infrastructure including volleyball poles, nets and volleyballs had been distributed across all 19 blocks to facilitate sustained sporting activities under the campaign.

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 👇