KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today flagged off the first batch of devotees for the revered Shri Mindal Mata Yatra here from the historic Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot.

The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) was received yesterday at Shree Gori Shankar Mandir by Deputy Commissioner along with the ADC Pawan Kotwal and other officers of the Civil and Police Administration and the Head Priest of the temple Mahant Ram Saran Dass Ji Maharaj. The holy mace rested overnight at the temple before commencing its onward journey today.

The annual pilgrimage is being organized by Aadi Shakti Devi Chandike Sewak Sanstha, Doda (J&K) led by Pyar Singh Ji Maa Sevak (Chief Patron) and Prof. D. S. Manhas (President).

A large number of devotees, locals and officers from the Civil and Police Administration gathered at the temple premises to accord a warm send-off to the Pavitra Charri. Devotees paid obeisance and prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being.

The yatra will proceed through Padder, Sohal, Tiyari Padder, Luj and Pangi before reaching the revered shrine of Shri Devi Maa Chandi at Mindhal, located in Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh via the Gulabgarh–Sansari–Himachal Pradesh route.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that comprehensive arrangements have been put in place along the pilgrimage route to ensure smooth conduct of the yatra and facilitate the devotees. He assured full cooperation from the district administration and advised pilgrims to maintain cleanliness, uphold the sanctity of the pilgrimage and exercise caution while traversing the hilly terrain.

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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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