GANDERBAL: The annual Gangbal Yatra commenced today with great religious fervor after being ceremoniously flagged-off by the Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, from Naranag Temple, Ganderbal. Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; SSP Ganderbal, Khalil Poswal, besides other civil and police officials were present on the occasion.

A group of pilgrims from the Kashmiri Pandit community began their spiritual journey from the historic Naranag temple following the revered Charri Puja. The devotees, escorted by SDRF teams, police personnel, officials from health and other departments set out on the 15-km trek to the sacred Gangbal Lake, nestled at an altitude of around 14,500 feet in the Harmukh mountain range.

Speaking on the occasion, Div Com commended all stakeholders for their coordinated efforts in ensuring seamless arrangements for the Yatra. He extended his best wishes to the pilgrims and the supporting teams accompanying them. The sacred rituals will be performed on the banks of Gangbal Lake, after which the pilgrims will return the next day.

On the occasion, the organizers and devotees expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the district administration, police authorities, and the local community of Naranag for their invaluable cooperation and support, which have been instrumental in the smooth conduct of the pilgrimage. Among others, Additional Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, SDM Kangan, SDPO Kangan, Tehsildar Kangan, and other concerned officers were also present during the flag-off ceremony.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here