KISHTWAR: The Department of Youth Services & Sports Kishtwar today organised the district-level Youth Festival under the aegis of Viksit Bharat Young Leader Dialogue (VBYLD) Cultural Track- a campaign carrying the inspiring theme "Nasha Mukt Yuva – For a Drug-Free Society.”

The scintillating event was held here in the GDC Auditorium. The inaugural ceremony was graced by the Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma as the Chief Guest. ADC Pawan Kotwal and the College Principal Lekh Raj Badyal were the Guests of Honour.

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the initiative of the Department in engaging young people through meaningful cultural activities. He emphasised the importance of youth participation in building a progressive, healthy and drug-free society.

The festival witnessed enthusiastic participation and vibrant cultural performances across various categories, including Folk Song, Folk Dance, Painting, Poetry Writing and Nukkad Natak, providing a dynamic platform to young talents to showcase their creativity, artistic abilities and cultural heritage while spreading awareness about the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Students and participants from ITI, Government Polytechnic , GDC, Zone Nagseni, Zone Inderwal, Zone Kishtwar, Zone Drabshalla and those from other participating institutions delivered impressive performances in their respective categories.

The event was organised under the directions of Director General, Youth Services & Sports J&K, Anuradha Gupta, under the guidance of Joint Director Jammu, Inderjeet Singh Parihar and under the supervision of DYSSO Kishtwar, Jaffer Haider Sheikh.

The programme culminated with a Prize Distribution Ceremony. DYSSO Jaffer Haider Sheikh felicitated the outstanding performers and winners in the presence of ZPEOs and other staff of the Youth Services and Sports Department Kishtwar.

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 👇