In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Buyers urged to partner Dept’s ‘Be Vocal for Local’ campaign

SRINAGAR: Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, today organised an exhibition of high-value textile products made by the finest artisans and weavers from Kashmir, to commemorate the National Handloom Day. The exhibition was inaugurated by Director, Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, Mussarat Islam, at S. K. Park, here. Development Officer, Textiles, Arjumand Yaqub, AD Srinagar, Sadia Ahmed, PEO, Riyaz Ahmad Kawoosa and other senior officers were also present on the occasion.  

In a press statement issued here today, a spokesperson of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department Kashmir stated that every year on August 7, a fervent appeal is issued to the buyers and art lovers to join the ‘Be Vocal for Local’ campaign, which goes a long way in making our artisans and weavers self-sustained. “It is very pleasing to note that a large number of visitors turned up at SK Park to buy famous handcrafted Pashmina, Kani and Sozni shawls made by the golden hands of artisans and weavers from Kashmir,” he added.

Earlier, the Director went around the stalls and interacted with the artisans and weavers and encouraged them to get their products tested and labelled at Pashmina Testing & Quality Certification Centre (PTQCC), CDI Srinagar. “Apart from Vocal for Local campaign, our Department urges tourists and buyers to insist on QR Coded GI products to overcome the serious challenge posed by the counterfeit products, sold in the garb of genuine handmade products,” he added.

The Director also highlighted the importance of aesthetic packaging of high-value Pashmina and Kani Shawls so that its brand value is enhanced. “Towards this, the Department under RAMP is soon organising capacity building workshops with Indian Institute of Packaging, New Delhi,” he added.

The spokesman further stated that the National Handloom Day also provided an opportunity to give traction to Srinagar city’s unique distinction of having been notified as a Craft City by World Craft Council and UNESCO City under its Creative Cities Network.

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
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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