BUDGAM: The 4th Open Pencak Silat Championship 2025-26 concluded at the Indoor Sports Hall, Budgam, after two days of intense and spirited competition. Organised by the District Budgam Pencak Silat Association in collaboration with the Pencak Silat Association of J&K, the event was held under the banner of Marhoom Allama Aga Syed Mohammad Baqir Al-Moosavi Al-Najafi.

Around 400 participants from various schools and clubs across the district competed in Under-14, Under-17, Under-20, and Senior categories for both boys and girls. Agha Syed Abul Hasan al-Moosavi al-Safavi, the chief guest, stressed the importance of progress and self-reliance in all walks of life.

“The nation upon which the judge of destiny has passed the eternal verdict that weakness is a crime and helplessness a death sentence — if that nation is backward in education, in health, in technology, and in politics — then every powerful nation will trample it underfoot, and history is full of such examples. Whether male or female, in every field — knowledge, politics, faith — they must be at the forefront, and through sports, we must build a healthy society,” he said.

Mr. Irfan Aziz, Chief Coach of India, and Manzoor Ahmed were the guests of honour. The championship aimed to promote fitness, discipline, and a sporting culture in the region, serving as an important step towards nurturing local talent and expanding the reach of Pencak Silat in Jammu & Kashmir.

In a major upcoming event, the J&K Sports Council will host the prestigious Asian Junior Pencak Silat Championship in Srinagar from September 25 to 30, 2025, with over 15 countries expected to participate. Nine students from Jammu & Kashmir and two from Ladakh will represent the region at the continental tournament. The closing ceremony in Budgam concluded with a medal distribution to the winners and participants, celebrating their dedication and sportsmanship.

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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