KISHTWAR: Department of AYUSH in collaboration with the District Administration Kishtwar and JK State Medicinal Plants Board successfully organized a District Level Seminar today. The event was held under the directions of the Director AYUSH, J&K Dr. Nuzhat Bashir and in close Supervision of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kishtwar Rajesh Kumar Shavan.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pawan Kotwal graced the event as the Chief Guest. The event was organised to promote conservation, cultivation of medicinal plants and developing entrepreneurship in the Medicinal Plants Sector. The seminar featured key resource persons from AYUSH Department including Dr. Shabir and Dr. Muzaffar Mintoo, who provided detailed information on the cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants such as Ashwagandha, Kutki, Kuth, Pooshkarmool and others, emphasizing their potential as alternative sources of income for farmers.

Dr. Opender Surmal, Lecturer in Ethnobotany at Government Degree College Kishtwar, also shared valuable insights into the medicinal plants found in the region and their uses in traditional medicine. In addition, progressive farmers like Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmed and Jabbar Singh, who have successfully ventured into the cultivation and marketing of medicinal plants, shared their success stories and experiences in setting up businesses in the sector.

The seminar aimed at increasing awareness about the significance of conserving and cultivating medicinal plants, which play a crucial role in both traditional healthcare systems and the modern pharmaceutical industry. The event also highlighted the immense potential for entrepreneurship in the medicinal plant sector and discussed the growing opportunities within the industry.

The seminar was attended by Senior Officers including DIO Kishtwar Dr Kuldeep Kumar, DFO Marwah Vishal Choudhary, CMO Kishtwar Dr. Rajinder Kumar, CAO Kishtwar Amjad Hussain Malik, CHO Kishtwar Sajid Mustafa, Chief Scientist of KVK Narinder Pal, staff of AYUSH and other concerned departments.

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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