• Satish Sharma hoists National Flag

KATHUA: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and national spirit at Sports Stadium Kathua today. The celebrations were marked by the hoisting of the National Flag by Transport Minister, Satish Sharma, who also took salute at the impressive march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets and school children.

MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, DDC Chairman Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Raghunandan Singh, Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena, DDC members, ex-servicemen, prominent citizens and a large gathering of students and locals were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people on the historic occasion and paid rich tributes to the countless freedom fighters, soldiers and citizens who laid down their lives for the country's independence. He recalled the contributions of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders whose courage and determination laid the foundation of a democratic and sovereign India.

Expressing grief over the recent tragic cloudburst incident in Kishtwar, the Minister conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for speedy recovery of the injured. He lauded the tireless efforts of the district administration, security forces, NDRF, SDRF and volunteers in rescue and relief operations.

Highlighting the developmental journey of Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister said that under the dynamic leadership, the UT is witnessing a new era of peace, development and opportunity. He underlined the government’s initiatives in technology, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and infrastructure, including the shift to indigenous 5G and upcoming 6G technology, solar power projects, biotechnology parks, Khelo India Centres and modern urban amenities including Kathua Water Front in the district.

He informed that Kathua has emerged as a leader under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme with new high-value crops like dragon fruit, avocado and strawberry, alongside farmer-centric services through Kissan Khidmat Ghars. In healthcare, he counted the milestone of establishment of North India’s first Homeopathy Medical College in Kathua and near 100% institutional deliveries.

The Minister urged the citizens to uphold the values of unity, dignity and justice and contribute towards building Viksit Bharat, a developed and self-reliant India. The programme culminated with felicitation of the participants and outstanding achievers of the district followed by National Anthem by the winners of DIPR competitions.

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