JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar today attended the 'Dastaan-e-Mic': A Landmark Open Mic Event for Youthful Expression organised by Directorate of Youth Services and Sports here at Bahu Plaza. The historic venue echoed with the powerful voices of J&K’s youth at the first-of-its-kind event and a vibrant initiative to foster creative expression and youth engagement.   

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner congratulated the Directorate of YSS for organizing this ground-breaking event. He highlighted the need for organizing more such innovative programs to provide an encouraging stage to the youth, who are brimming with untapped talent and perspectives. He emphasized that initiatives like Dastaan-e-Mic are crucial for   building confidence and giving a significant platform to every voice that deserves to be heard.

The Divisional Commissioner exhorted the youth to channelize their energies towards sports, literary and performing arts- inspiring the youngsters to lead a happy and healthy life - free from all social evils. “Such unprecedented youth engagement initiatives shall be organised at the District levels also to promote the local art, culture, heritage and folk traditions among the younger generations,” he stressed.

The Director General YSS, in her address, extended a warm welcome to the Chief Guest, participants and the audience, stating, “Dastaan-e-Mic is our commitment to listening. It is a platform built on the belief that every young person in J&K has a story worth telling and a voice worth hearing.”

She appreciated the participants for their courage and creativity in sharing their authentic expressions. The event offered a vibrant stage to young artists for showcasing their passion and talents in Dogri, Urdu and English poetry, Singing, folk music and storytelling.

The Open Mic was a tapestry of diverse artistic expressions, featuring captivating poetry by artists like Akhil Brahmanu, Paras Angral, Anup Kumar, Deepankar Sharma and Saddam Hussain Kafeel, who wove emotions into eloquent couplets. The stage also resonated with powerful poetry from Saqib Wani, Pankaj Kumar, Sheikh Masood Hamid, Sayed Rizwan, Kriti Malhotra, Simran Bharti, Ahmad Irfan, Iran Shareef and Ajay Singh, each presenting original verses that ranged from personal introspection to social commentary. The art of storytelling was masterfully presented by Mukhtar Ahmed Madni and Ishwar Kumar, who held the audience spellbound with their narratives. The program further diversified with melodic singing by Salmar Najar and a dynamic fusion of singing and rap by Hai Singh.

The event was further elevated by distinguished guest performers who lent their stature to the cause, including the lyrical prowess of RJ Aryan and Yogeshwar Singh, the literary compositions of poetess and lecturer Sushma Rani, the evocative words of writer Sushant Sabarwal and a unique performance by G One, a singer-rapper who also serves as a policeman symbolizing the multifaceted talents within the community.

As a token of appreciation and encouragement, all participants were honored with trophies and certificates, by the dignitaries. Senior officials, staff from the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports and a spirited audience comprising locals, school children and a large number of youth from across the UT 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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