The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), District Centre Jammu, in collaboration with Government College for Women (GCW), Gandhinagar, Jammu, today organised a Startup Idea Challenge 2.0 programme at the college to promote innovation and foster an entrepreneurial mindset among students.

More than 200 students from the host and other colleges participated in the programme. During the Idea Pitching Session, 30 ideas were presented before the jury, of which 10 promising ideas were shortlisted for the next level of the Startup Idea Challenge 2.0.

The College Principal Dr. Kulwinder Kaur was the Chief Guest on the occasion. She appreciated the initiative of JKEDI and encouraged students to pursue innovative ideas and develop solutions to real-world challenges.

The jury panel comprised Chief Manager J&K Bank Raju Gupta; Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry Dr. Rabia Javed; Head, Department of Computer Applications Dr. Arjun Kotwal; and Founder, Lawgger Technologies Pvt. Ltd Abhinav Kohli. The jury evaluated the ideas on parameters including innovation, problem relevance, feasibility, scalability and potential impact, and provided constructive feedback to the participants.

The participants were also sensitised to the J&K Startup Policy 2024–27 and the support available to eligible startups through incubation, mentorship, training, seed funding and other interventions under the startup ecosystem.

Founder, Lawgger Technologies Pvt. Ltd.  Abhinav Kohli shared his entrepreneurial journey and practical experiences with the students, providing insights into the challenges and opportunities involved in building a startup.

The Startup Idea Challenge, an initiative of JKEDI, seeks to introduce students to innovation and entrepreneurship at an early stage and provide them with a platform to develop and pitch their ideas. The second edition focuses on identifying and nurturing promising student-led ideas and facilitating their progression towards the next stages of the challenge.

The programme was coordinated by Prof. Rashi Gupta, Dr. Asha Devi and Vishal Sharma whose efforts contributed to its successful conduct. The 10 shortlisted ideas will now progress to the next level, where the participating innovators will have an opportunity to further develop and refine their concepts with appropriate guidance and support.

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