KUPWARA: District Administration Kupwara, in collaboration with the District Employment & Counselling Centre (DE&CC) Kupwara and JKNRLM Kupwara, today organized a Women Entrepreneurship and Self-Help Group (SHG) Mela at Town Hall, Kupwara.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response from Self-Help Groups, aspiring women entrepreneurs, established women entrepreneurs, and a large number of participants from across the district. Several successful SHG entrepreneurs set up stalls to showcase and market their unique products. Line departments including the Agriculture Department, Fisheries, District Industries Centre (DIC), Handicrafts and Handloom Department, and the Mission YUVA Helpdesk also installed informative stalls on the occasion.

The stalls showcased a wide range of handmade apparel, handicrafts, dairy products, and agri-allied products, reflecting the diverse livelihood initiatives promoted under JKRLM–Umeed and Mission YUVA. The programme was presided over by Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kupwara, Mufti Fareed-ud-Din as the Chief Guest. He visited various stalls, interacted with women entrepreneurs, and appreciated their efforts towards self-reliance and economic empowerment.

During the programme, several successful women entrepreneurs shared their inspiring entrepreneurial journeys, highlighting challenges, opportunities, and the role of government initiatives in their growth.

The Women Entrepreneurship and SHG Mela recorded enthusiastic participation from SHG members and local women entrepreneurs representing different blocks of the district. The Mela served as an important marketing platform, providing direct customer interaction to women entrepreneurs, enabling them to enhance their income, improve product quality through customer feedback, and build confidence as independent business owners.

The District Administration Kupwara, in collaboration with Mission YUVA and JKRLM, is utilizing this initiative to strengthen women-led enterprises, encourage branding and formalization of SHG products, and motivate more rural women to join SHGs and adopt sustainable livelihood opportunities. To further engage and motivate budding women entrepreneurs, Mission YUVA songs and informative videos were played during the programme.

On the sidelines of the event, Ishfaq Ahmad Wani, Employment Officer, DE&CC Kupwara, briefed the participants about the financial support and assistance available under Mission YUVA. Certificates of appreciation were distributed among the successful women entrepreneurs by the Chief Guest in recognition of their achievements and contributions. 

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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