• Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar delivers inspiring address on Inner Peace, Drug-Free Life

SRINAGAR: Higher Education Department (HED) in collaboration with Youth Services and Sports Department, organized a landmark Edu-Youth Meet aimed at tackling substance abuse and promoting holistic education, at Bakhshi Stadium here. Over 20,000 students from colleges and universities across Kashmir attended the event, which featured an inspiring address by Spiritual Leader and founder of The Art of Living Foundation, Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.

The gathering was graced by several MLAs, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Higher Education, Shantmanu; Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Directors, Principals, and educators and faculty members of various colleges.

Earlier in the day, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar interacted with Vice-chancellors, Principals, and Faculty, where the Vice-Chancellor of SKUAST requested the establishment of Art of Living Centres in University campuses to support students dealing with anxiety. Gurudev pledged the Foundation’s full support to integrate its wellness and life-skill programmes as co-curricular initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing emotional resilience, mental well-being, and leadership development.

In his powerful address to around 20,000 youth, Gurudev called for collective action to eradicate drug abuse and to reimagine education as a path of love, happiness, and creativity. He urged young people to embrace their cultural heritage while fostering innovation and compassion and living with harmony and purpose.

Highlighting the mental health crisis, Sri Sri Ravi Shankar noted that nearly one-fourth of the global population suffers from psychological distress and urged mindfulness, meditation, and balanced living as solutions. He invoked Kashmir’s spiritual legacy, referencing the Spanda Karika and ancient breathing practices, calling for their revival in modern education. Gurudev also proposed teacher and youth training through SKY Clubs, student-led initiatives promoting focus, happiness, and inner stability.

ACS, Higher Education in his address reaffirmed the department’s commitment to integrating such programmes into institutions across the UT, fostering a stress-free and value-based learning environment. The event concluded with an interactive session that left students inspired and educators motivated to nurture a peaceful, mindful, and drug-free Kashmir through compassionate, creative, and balanced education.

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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