• DC felicitates participants and stakeholders, appreciates gracious presence of literary figures, speakers, panellists

KULGAM: The three-day Veshow Festival 2026 concluded today at Government Degree College, Kulgam amid liveliness with a series of literary, cultural and trade exhibition activities celebrating the rich heritage, art, culture, literature and trade.

The concluding day's literary programme featured a 'Meet the Author' session with noted author Satish Vimal, followed by a literary discussion titled “Kashmiri Literature – Kal, Aaj Aur Kal” (Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow), providing a platform for deliberations on the evolution, present landscape and future prospects of Kashmiri literature.

The programme also featured the Kul-Hind Mushaira (All India Mushaira), bringing together noted poets from across the country for a celebration of literary expression and poetry.

Meanwhile, the four dedicated pavilions continued their activities with keynote addresses, panel discussions, closing talks and interactive sessions focusing on entrepreneurship and startups, handicrafts and rural enterprise, agri-business and horticulture, besides youth, skill and career development.

The sessions covered diverse themes, including Jammu and Kashmir's potential as a business and enterprise hub, the role of handicrafts in livelihood generation, livestock and its contribution to the rural economy, opportunities for youth in a changing world, the role of Geographical Indication (GI) in promoting handicrafts and opportunities in the agri-economy.The sessions witnessed participation of experts, entrepreneurs, professionals, students and aspiring youth, providing them opportunities to exchange ideas and gain insights into emerging avenues.

Deputy Commissioner (DC), Shahzad Alam, ADC, DPO, ACR, SDM, ACD, DIO, AD Employment also attended various sessions of the trade and literary sessions.

The Trade Fair and exhibition areas continued to attract visitors, with stalls showcasing local products, traditional handicrafts, Kashmiri cuisine, agricultural produce, art and craft, besides products and services from different sectors for sale. The stalls provided a common platform for local artisans, entrepreneurs, traders, institutions and service providers to display their products, interact with visitors and promote their work.

The Antique Village remained another attraction, offering visitors a glimpse of traditional Kashmiri household articles, artefacts and objects reflecting the region's cultural heritage and traditional lifestyle. The children's play area also provided recreational opportunities for young visitors.

The festival grounds witnessed enthusiastic public participation, with visitors exploring the stalls and exhibitions, enjoying different cuisines, shopping and engaging with exhibitors. The off-stage cultural showcase by school students also remained an attraction, featuring Kashmiri folk songs, traditional dances, cultural performances and drama, providing a platform for young talent to display their artistic abilities.

During the valedictory session, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam and other district officers felicitated the literary figures and expert speakers and appreciated the efforts of all those associated with the successful organisation of the festival. Certificates of Appreciation and participation were presented to participants and contributors in recognition of their involvement and contribution to the three-day event.

The DC acknowledged the participation of artists, writers, poets, artisans, entrepreneurs, students, various departments and the general public, whose collective involvement made the annual Veshow Festival, a vibrant celebration of the district's cultural and literary heritage.

Organised under the theme 'Celebrating Our Heritage', the Veshow Festival 2026 provided a common platform for promoting local talent, traditional crafts, literary expression, entrepreneurship and cultural traditions while encouraging greater public engagement.

The valedictory session was attended by ADC, DPO, ACR, ACD, SDM, DIO, Tehsildar, Kulgam, AD Employment, AD FCS&CA and other district officers, besides prominent artists, writers, poets, entrepreneurs, students and members of the general public

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