The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SAMBA: A workshop under the Gyan Bharatam initiative of the Ministry of Culture was organized under the leadership of Deputy Commissioner Ayushi Sudan, here today at Samba. The workshop witnessed the participation of senior district officials including Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC), Additional Commissioner Revenue (ACR), Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs), Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP), Block Development Officers (BDOs), Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Municipal Council Samba and Executive Officers (EOs) from Municipal Committees of Bari Brahmana and Ramgarh, along with designated surveyors.

The workshop featured an insightful lecture by Dr. Jahangir Iqbal from the Department of Persian, University of Kashmir. He elaborated on the objectives and significance of the Gyan Bharatam initiative. He highlighted that the initiative aims to identify, document and preserve the nation’s rich manuscript heritage, thereby safeguarding its cultural legacy for future generations. He also provided a comprehensive understanding of manuscripts, underlining their immense historical, cultural and intellectual value and emphasized the urgent need for their conservation.

During the session, surveyors were thoroughly sensitized to their role and responsibilities. In rural areas, surveyors include Panchayat Secretaries, Panchayat Accounts Assistants and Gram Rozgar Sevaks (GRSs), while in urban areas the task has been assigned to municipal officials. They were also apprised of the mobile application interface to be used for conducting the survey, including practical guidance on data collection, uploading procedures and maintaining accuracy during fieldwork.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of conducting the survey in a comprehensive, systematic and time-bound manner. She stressed the need for extensive door-to-door outreach to ensure maximum coverage and highlighted the importance of creating awareness at the grassroots level about the value of manuscripts as repositories of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage.

The workshop concluded with a call for coordinated and dedicated efforts from all stakeholders to ensure the successful implementation of the survey and to contribute meaningfully towards preserving the region’s invaluable manuscript heritage.

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