KULGAM: Minister for Social Welfare, Education, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today presided over a felicitation ceremony organized under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) for top performer teams of various Girls Sports Tournaments and NEET Qualifiers of the district at Government Degree College, Kulgam.

The ceremony was organized by the Social Welfare Department Kulgam in collaboration with Sports, Higher Education and other departments of district administration with the objective of celebrating the achievements of girls in sports and academics, promoting the message of women empowerment.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister highlighted the importance of empowering women and girls through education, sports, skill development and awareness. She also emphasized the need to create greater awareness among women and girls about various government schemes and welfare initiatives being implemented by different departments for their benefit.

Sakeena Itoo stressed that participation in sports helps girls develop confidence, discipline, leadership qualities and teamwork while providing them opportunities to showcase their talent at different levels.

Director General ICDS Sajad Hussain Ganie, DPO Zaheer Ahmad Kaifi, ACR Kulgam Reyaz Ahmad Shah and District Social Welfare Officer Kulgam Rameez Ahmad Ganie, also addressed the gathering. They spoke on women empowerment, education, sports participation and initiatives available for women and girls.

The programme witnessed participation of girls, officials, sports personnel, students and other stakeholders. The speakers appreciated the efforts being made to provide girls with opportunities in sports and education and encouraged them to pursue their aspirations with confidence.

As part of the felicitation ceremony, medals and trophies were presented to the winners and runners-up of the Girls Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Cricket and Badminton tournaments organized at the Inter-Block and Inter-Municipality levels under BBBP in the district while 20 girls from District Kulgam who qualified NEET were also felicitated with certificates.

Earlier, the Minister inaugurated the Inter-District UT-Level U-17 Girls Netball Tournament at Shri Nazir Ahmad Wani Higher Secondary School Kulgam. The tournament, organized by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports, J&K and hosted by YSS Kulgam, is witnessing participation of eight districts of the Union Territory, providing young sportspersons an opportunity to showcase their talent and gain competitive exposure.

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