BUDGAM: A grand provincial-level inter-district Volleyball tournament for all age groups viz. Under-14, Under-17, and Under-19 was officially inaugurated today by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, at the picturesque Charar-i-Sharief Khel Maidan.

The tournament, hosted for the first time in Budgam district at this scale, witnessed enthusiastic participation from teams across various districts of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The event aims to promote sports culture, channel youth energy positively, and identify emerging talent at the grassroots level.

Speaking at the inauguration, DC emphasized the critical role of sports in youth empowerment and drug de-addiction. ā€œBy developing sports infrastructure across the district, particularly in rural areas, we can effectively counter the menace of drug abuse. Youth, when attracted to sports activities, are less likely to fall into negative influences,ā€ he remarked.

He highlighted the district administration’s vision of creating a vibrant sporting ecosystem. ā€œOur dream is to ensure that every panchayat has its own sports field—be it a volleyball court, a cricket ground, or any other facility. We want Budgam to emerge as a hub for national-level sporting events. In fact, we have already proposed the development of major playfields that can host such prestigious national level tournaments in the near future,ā€ said DC.

He further expressed pride and satisfaction in hosting this inter-district event, calling it a significant milestone. DC also reiterated the importance of Jan Bhagidari (public participation) in building a sports-oriented society. He said, ā€œThrough Jan Bhagidari, we can make our youth proactive, as sports not only build physical strength but also enhance cognitive abilities and overall personality.ā€

The tournament at Charar-i-Sharief is being organized in collaboration with the Department of Youth Services & Sports and is part of a broader campaign to promote healthy lifestyles, community participation, and athletic excellence across J&K. The tournament includes participation from 10 districts across the Kashmir Division. DC was accompanied by ADC Budgam, JD Planning Budgam, SDM Chadoora, Tehsildar and District Sports Officer Budgam besides other concerned officials.

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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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