KATHUA: District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with TSP Team, today organised Kathua Run 2026 under the aegis of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, marking the first-ever running event in the district featuring 3 km, 5 km and 10 km categories.

The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 600 participants registering for the run, besides a large number of fitness enthusiasts. The participation cut across age groups, with young children, girls, youth, adults, senior citizens and veterans joining the run with great enthusiasm.

The event sought to promote fitness, healthy living and constructive engagement of youth and the community through sports and physical activity, complementing the objectives of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan to encourage a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle.

The 3-km run featured categories for Sub-Junior Boys & Girls (under 10 years), Junior Boys & Girls (10–14 years), Youth (15–under 18 years) and a Fun Run for Men & Women aged 18 years and above. The 5-km run included categories for participants under 14 years, 14–17 years, 18–39 years, Masters (40–49 years), Veterans (50–59 years) and Senior Citizens (60+ years). The 10-km run featured categories for 18–30 years, Masters (31–40 years), Veterans (41–50 years), Grand Veterans (51–59 years) and Senior Citizens (60+ years).

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, SSP Mohita Sharma, ADC Mahima Madan, ACR Vishav Partap Singh, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, officers and officials from across line departments, besides citizens, young athletes, children and veterans, participated in the event and encouraged the runners.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that the Kathua Run was aimed at motivating people of all age groups to adopt healthy habits and make physical activity an integral part of their daily life. He said running is among the simplest and most effective ways to remain physically active, improve endurance and overall fitness, while also promoting mental well-being.

He said such community-based sporting activities also provide a positive avenue for channelising the energy of youth and spreading the message of a healthy, active and drug-free lifestyle. He called upon citizens, particularly the youth, to make regular exercise, sports and outdoor activities a part of their daily routine.

SSP Mohita Sharma appreciated the efforts of the District Administration and TSP Team in organising the event, saying that the enthusiastic participation of people from different age groups reflected growing awareness about fitness and healthy living. She said such initiatives strengthen the message of Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir by encouraging youth to stay engaged in positive and healthy pursuits.

The event provided a vibrant platform for young athletes, fitness enthusiasts, families and senior citizens to participate together and carried forward the message of fitness, sportsmanship and a drug-free lifestyle.

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