KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of officers from stakeholder departments to finalise arrangements for the observance of International Day of Yoga 2026.

The meeting reviewed preparations for the district-level celebration to be held on June 21 at the Sports Stadium Kathua. A mega yoga session will commence at 6:00 am with participation from officers, students, employees, volunteers and members of civil society.

The meeting was informed that a week-long series of yoga sessions and awareness programmes will be organised across the district from June 15 to June 21 under the "Yoga for Healthy Ageing" campaign.

Reviewing the arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner directed the AYUSH Department to ensure the availability of qualified instructors and make necessary logistical arrangements. The Health Department was instructed to ensure the participation of its staff and deploy ambulances and medical teams at the venue.

The Police Department was tasked with security, while the Public Works Department was directed to provide logistical support. The Education Department was asked to mobilise students, including NSS and NCC volunteers, for active participation.

Mr Sharma further directed the Jal Shakti Department to ensure adequate drinking water facilities and the Municipal Council Kathua to manage sanitation and cleanliness. The Information Department was asked to undertake extensive publicity to encourage public participation.

The Deputy Commissioner called for close coordination among all departments to ensure the successful conduct of the celebrations. Representatives of social organisations, including Patanjali Yogpeeth and local yoga groups, assured the administration of full cooperation in mobilising participants.

Among those present were Additional District Development Commissioner Surinder Mohan Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur, the District AYUSH Officer, Chief Education Officer, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Executive Engineers of the departments concerned and officers from the Police Department.

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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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