UDHAMPUR: Member Legislative Assembly Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta today inaugurated the three-day annual historic Sankri Devta mela here at village Meer- Panchari. The inauguration was held amid drum beats and festivity in the presence of DDC Member Jasvir Singh, Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, Mela Officer (Tehsildar Panchari) Vipan Kumar and other officers.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest congratulated the people and emphasized that such melas showcase the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage as well as play a vital role in strengthening brotherhood and communal harmony. He highlighted the importance of preserving traditional values and advocated for promoting the mela as an integral part of local culture.

He reiterated that such festivals bring together people of different faiths, communities and regions, fostering peace and unity in the society.  The MLA also lauded the District Administration Udhampur for making elaborate and foolproof arrangements for the successful conduct of the event.

He appreciated the enthusiastic participation of local students in cultural programs and rural sports, wishing them success in their future endeavors. He also highlighted the welfare schemes launched by the Government, encouraging people to avail themselves of these benefits for their socio-economic upliftment.

The MLA also inspected stalls set up by different departments to spread awareness about government-sponsored schemes. He urged officers to make sincere and dedicated efforts to inform the public about these initiatives aimed at rural development. The DDC Member Panchari-Moungri expressed gratitude to the district administration for their support in organizing the mela.

Later, the MLA paid obeisance at the revered Sankri Devta Temple, praying for peace, prosperity and well-being of the district. The District Administration had made elaborate arrangements for the smooth conduct of the mela including the provision of uninterrupted power supply, safe drinking water, sanitation facilities, medical assistance, security measures and a Police Control Room.

Numerous temporary sweet shops, toy stalls and food corners set up by local as well as outside vendors emerged as the main attractions for the general public. The J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages and Department of Youth Services and Sports also organized rural sports and cultural activities with the active participation of school students from the area, adding vibrancy to the celebrations.

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