JAMMU: The Directorate of School Education Jammu successfully organised the Innovation Mashal 2026 Ceremony and a one-day workshop on the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs (ATL) at J.P. World School, Channi Himmat, Jammu, with the objective of promoting innovation, creativity, scientific temper and entrepreneurship among school students across Jammu & Kashmir.

The programme was conducted in collaboration with the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, New Delhi and the University of Kashmir, the Nodal Agency for ATL in Jammu & Kashmir. The event witnessed participation from Principals, Headmasters, Deputy Chief Education Officers, educational administrators and representatives from government as well as private schools from across the Union Territory.

The workshop was graced by Chief Education Officer Jammu Ajeet Sharma. Distinguished experts and resource persons including Shubham Gupta, Innovation Lead AIM NITI Aayog; Prof Dr Javid Ahmed Sheikh; Prof Dr Manzoor Ahmed; Muneer Ahmed Wani and Dr Zaid Mohammad Shah conducted technical sessions for the participants.

During the workshop, the experts provided detailed guidance regarding the establishment of Atal Tinkering Labs in schools, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, infrastructure requirements, funding support and implementation strategies. Participants were encouraged to apply for ATL establishment and create innovation-driven learning environments in their institutions.

A major highlight of the programme was the Innovation Mashal Ceremony, symbolising the collective commitment towards promoting innovation and scientific temper among students. During the ceremony, Divisional Nodal Officer ATL Jammu Division Dr Jagdish Raj Panotra formally received the Innovation Mashal from the Vice Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, signifying the launch and expansion of the campaign across Jammu Division.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Education Officer Jammu Ajeet Sharma emphasised that innovation laboratories play a pivotal role in enhancing critical thinking, creativity, scientific temperament and problem-solving abilities among students. He informed the participants that several innovative learning facilities, including Science Centres, vSTEM Labs, the Astrophysics Lab AAGAZ and Atal Tinkering Labs, have already been established across Jammu & Kashmir to promote experiential and technology-enabled learning. He urged all Heads of Institutions to ensure optimum utilisation of these facilities and promote resource sharing among schools within their respective clusters so that the benefits of these advanced educational resources reach a larger number of students.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇