JAMMU: It wasn’t just a football match. It was a statement. Under the floodlights of Parade Ground Jammu, the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports J&K organized a friendly football night match as part of the UT administration’s 100-day intensive campaign across the Union Territory to make Jammu & Kashmir “Nasha Mukt” (drug-free).

The idea was simple: give young people a stage where winning means more than just a scoreboard.

Two local clubs, Warrior Club and Spartan Club, faced off in what turned out to be a competitive, clean game. Warrior Club edged past Spartan Club with a 2–0 finish, but on a night like this, the result felt secondary to the reason everyone had gathered.

The event was kicked off by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, alongside Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas. The dignitaries were received by Director General YSS Anuradha Gupta. Others who were present in the event included Vinakshi Koul, Joint Director YSS Jammu; Megha Boagia, Deputy Director (Planning/Activity); and Sunil Kotwal, Accounts Officer of the Department.

Director General YSS delivered an impressive welcome address, setting a reflective tone for the evening.

Before sharing his insightful speech, the divisional commissioner led a pledge ceremony. “This campaign is not just about awareness. It’s about action. Games like these reclaim young lives,” he said, as players stood listening under the lights.

After the match, medals and trophies were given to both teams not just for the goals but for showing up and playing clean.

A small evening. A simple match. But in J&K’s push for a drug-free future, nights like these matter.

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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