GANDERBAL: As part of the Heritage Week 2025 celebrations, District Administration Ganderbal in collaboration with Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums today organised Seminars at Govt. Degree Colleges (GDCs) of Ganderbal and Kangan. In the inaugural session of the week-long programme that commenced today, seminars on local history and heritage of Ganderbal was held within the college premises. 

The week-long celebrations from 19th to 25th November, 2025 is aimed to create awareness among students about the rich cultural, historical, and archaeological significance of the region.  The seminars began with a brief introduction on the importance of Heritage Week and the purpose of the event. Faculty members, students, and invitees attended the sessions with great enthusiasm. 

At GDC Ganderbal, the session was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Manzoor Ahmad Bhat, and Principal, GDC Ganderbal, Prof. Fauzia Fatima besides the resource person of the session, Iqbal Ahmad, former Assistant Curator, SPS Museum, Srinagar and the faculty members and students of the college. Principal of the college, in her inaugural address highlighted the importance of studying, understanding and engagement with the natural and cultural heritage of the region and its preservation. 

The resource person, in his lecture on the Archaeology, Numismatic and Heritage of Kashmir discussed the importance of studying and understanding the ancient past of Kashmir through its archaeological and numismatic heritage and its relevance to the present and future of the Kashmir region. 

Similarly at GDC Kangan, Prof. Zahoor from the Department of Political Science presented an insightful talk on the local history of Kangan. He highlighted the region’s historical evolution, its role in socio-political developments, and the unique cultural identity that has shaped the community over centuries. 

This was followed by a presentation by Dr. Mohd Younus Thokar, who spoke about the importance of heritage sites in Kangan. He emphasized the need for preserving archaeological remains, traditional structures, and cultural landmarks that reflect the region’s past. 

He also discussed the challenges faced in heritage conservation and encouraged students to actively participate in safeguarding local heritage. The sessions concluded with this understanding and pledge that our collective destiny as a society both at the national as well as global level is tied to how we approach, study and preserve our natural and cultural heritage.

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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