JAMMU: A collective 'Lohri Milan' program has been organised for the last 35 years, in Gangyal, Jammu, but this time it was celebrated in a unique way. In the Lohri Milan program with lighting the Lohri, a camp for the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana was set up for the people here. People celebrate Lohri & also names of a dozen people were registered for this scheme.

Hundreds of people reached this Lohri Milan program organised by Dogra Sewa Sambhal Trust at Ram Leela Ground Gangyal. Lohri Mila celebrates children and old people all dancing to the beats of drums along with cultural songs. Everyone wished each other on Lohri and then a collective Lohri was lit in which everyone offered sacrifices to the Sun God. In the program organised under the presidentship of Trust President Rajiv Sharma, in which the senior BJP leader and former Deputy Mayor Baldev Singh Billawaria, Chamber of Commerce President Arun Gupta and Padma Shri SP Verma were present as the main guests.

Due to the efforts of Billawaria, the officials of the PDD Department reached the spot along with the team. Celebrating Lohri Milan, a camp was organised for the people in which people were made aware and motivated to install solar lights under the PM – Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana. This effort, doubling the happiness of Lohri, attracted everyone. People were seen eager to take advantage of this scheme in the camp while wishing Lohri. Apart from XEN Ashok Kumar Chhibber, AEE Manjit Singh, JE IC Singh, AE Ashutosh Sharma, the concerned meter readers and linemen of the area also became a part of the program.

While lighting Lohri and making people aware, the employees and officers appealed to everyone to take advantage of this scheme. Inaugurated the awareness camp, Billawaria, while wishing people Lohri, threw light on the history of Lohri. He said that people celebrate this festival together in the joy of the crop prepared with sunlight and other natural elements. He also said that this festival also reflects mutual harmony and love in the society. On this occasion, everyone offered Revdi and peanuts to Agni Dev and wished.

Speaking on the occasion, Chamber of Commerce President Arun Gupta also congratulated on Lohri festival and appreciated such collective programs. He said that our festivals, fairs, play an important role in maintaining mutual brotherhood and creating a feeling of love, so such festivals should be celebrated together. He said that this effort of the Trust is a symbol of foresight and unity.

Padmashree SP Verma said that for the last 35 years, the chairmanship of Baldev Singh Billawaria and his colleagues have set an example like every time by organising Lohri Milan, for which all the organisers deserve congratulations. Trust President Rajiv Sharma highlighted the major works done by the Trust in the past years. In the program, people who made excellent contributions in social work were honoured by giving mementos by Dogra Sewa Sambhal Trust.

On the occasion, Ranjeet Singh, Ajay Pratap Singh, Sohan Katal, Pushkar Sharma, Ritika Dhiman, former Sarpanch Kunti Devi, former councilor Gurmeet Randhawa, Naresh Jasrotia, Dr. Kuldeep Gupta and other dignitaries were present.

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
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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