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BARAMULLA: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today inaugurated a Fashion Designing Centre for cutting, tailoring and sozni work at Government Degree College Hadipora, Rafiabad, here.

The initiative marks a significant step towards strengthening the skill-based education and creating avenues for vocational training, self-employment and livelihood generation among students and local youth.

The newly established centre will provide practical training in cutting, tailoring, fashion designing and traditional Sozni embroidery, enabling participants to acquire market-oriented skills and explore opportunities in entrepreneurship and income generation.

The initiative is expected to particularly benefit young women by equipping them with employable skills, fostering self-reliance and encouraging their participation in economic activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Minister emphasized the importance of skill-based education in enhancing employability and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for the younger generation. He said that educational institutions have a crucial role in preparing students not only for academic pursuits but also for the changing demands of the employment and entrepreneurial landscape.

The Minister stressed the need to promote vocational training alongside formal education so that students can develop practical expertise, build confidence and pursue self-employment opportunities.

Highlighting the importance of traditional crafts, Javid Dar said that initiatives promoting Sozni embroidery can help preserve the region’s rich cultural heritage while creating new avenues of livelihood for skilled artisans and aspiring entrepreneurs. He appreciated the college administration for establishing the centre and encouraged the students and local youth to make the best use of the facilities being provided.

The Minister underscored the importance of continued efforts towards strengthening skill development infrastructure in educational institutions, with a focus on empowering youth, promoting entrepreneurship and facilitating sustainable income generation.

The Fashion Designing Centre is expected to serve as a platform for skill enhancement, creativity and vocational development, contributing towards the socio-economic empowerment of youth in the region. Professor Tariq Ahmad Wani, Principal, GDC Hadipora, faculty members,students and senior citizens were present on the occasion.

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