In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

BHADERWAH: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today flagged off a Mini Marathon-cum-Awareness Rally in Bhaderwah to mark the beginning of the Special Awareness Programme under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan (NMBA). Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Bhutyal also graced the occasion along with concerned officers and officials.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth, students, and civil society members, sending a strong message against drug abuse. The rally was held as part of the Information, Education & Communication (IEC) campaign, which will witness a series of events from June 1 to June 26, 2025 across different locations in the district. As part of the broader NMBA campaign, a rich calendar of events will be held across the district from June 1 to June 26, 2025. These include sports tournaments, yoga and fitness camps, poster-making and street plays, awareness seminars in schools and colleges, workshops with recovered addicts, and community engagement activities like rallies, signature campaigns, and flash mobs.

The event was coordinated by Nodal Officer for the IEC initiative Tariq Qazi along with officials from the Education Department, Police, Health, Social Welfare, and Youth Services & Sports. Participants chanted slogans promoting a drug-free society and emphasizing the role of community engagement in eradicating substance abuse.

In his address, DC Harvinder Singh stressed the importance of collective efforts in combating drug addiction. He called upon youth, parents, teachers, and civil society organizations to act as vigilant stakeholders in building a healthy and addiction-free society. He also highlighted the central government's vision behind NMBA, focusing on awareness, prevention, and rehabilitation.

The campaign will culminate in a district-level program on June 26 featuring cultural performances, debates, and felicitation of patients who have recovered from drug abuse. Through these initiatives, the district administration aims to promote awareness at grassroots levels and foster a community-wide resolve to eliminate the menace of drug addiction. Students, youth, officials, and the general public will all be engaged to ensure maximum outreach and lasting impact.

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
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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