• Event promotes STEM Innovation, Plastic-Free Future

KISHTWAR: Under the directions of Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Kishtwar today organized 53rd District-Level Rajya Stariya Bal Vaigyanik Pradarshini (RSBVP) 2025–26 along with a one-day seminar on the theme “Reducing Plastic Pollution”.

The programme was held under the theme “STEM for Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat” with the objective of promoting scientific temper, innovation, creativity and environmental awareness among students.

A total 40 exhibits/models were displayed at the district-level exhibition under seven different thematic areas, while eight participants competed in the seminar on “Reducing Plastic Pollution.”

Additional Deputy Commissioner Pawan Kotwal attended the programme as the Chief Guest. Chief Education Officer Sanjay Dogra was the Special Guest, while Principal GHSS Boys Kishtwar Ashok Kumar and Principal GHSS Chatroo Vinod Kumar were Guests of Honour.

Addressing the gathering, the ADC (Chief Guest) appreciated DIET Kishtwar for providing a vibrant platform to young students to showcase their scientific aptitude and innovative ideas. He emphasized the importance of STEM education in building a developed and self-reliant India and underlined the collective responsibility towards reducing plastic pollution and protecting the environment.

“Today’s theme, “STEM for Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat”, reflects the vision of empowering students through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics so that they become innovative, creative and self-reliant citizens of the nation. Such platforms encourage scientific temper, critical thinking and problem-solving abilities among young learners,” the ADC said.

Highlighting the significance of environmental awareness, he added that the seminar on reducing plastic pollution reminds society of its shared responsibility towards environmental protection and sustainable development. He stressed that small individual and institutional efforts can bring about meaningful positive change.

Later, the chief guest and other officers inspected the exhibited models and interacted with the participating students. They appreciated the creativity and scientific approach of the students and encouraged them to continue pursuing innovative work while also offering valuable suggestions and guidance related to various thematic areas of the exhibition.

Earlier, DIET Kishtwar had conducted zonal-level competitions in which 14 exhibits each were selected from Inderwal and Kishtwar Zones for participation in the district level exhibition. Students from various GHSS Nagseni, GHSS Badhat and GHS Drabshalla also participated in the event.

The first-position holders in the seven themes of the science exhibition, who will represent District Kishtwar at the divisional-level competition in Jammu, include Radika Devi, Tanvy Sharma, Aradhay Sharma, Dinesh Sharma, Vatsal Sharma, Faizan Ahmed and Neha Devi.

Similarly, Himani Sharma, a Class 12 student of GHSS Filler, secured the top position in the seminar competition. She would represent the district at the divisional-level seminar contest in Jammu. The second- and third-position holders in both exhibition and seminar categories were felicitated at the programme.

The event was conducted under the overall supervision of Principal DIET Tirath Lal. Senior Academic Officer and District Nodal Officer (DNO), RSBVP 2026 Riaz Giri coordinated and managed the programme along with the staff of DIET Kishtwar.

The jury panel for the evaluation of exhibits and seminar presentations comprised experienced faculty members from different Higher Secondary Schools, including Khaliq Zarger, Apram Sharma, Manzoor Ahmed Sirwal, Dr. Shivani, Heena Khurshid Kichloo and Riaz Ahmed Giri.

The Chief Guest and Special Guest also felicitated the judges and organizing members, including Riaz Giri, Farooq Giri, Dr. Nadeem and Urja Butyal for their valuable contributions and dedicated efforts towards the successful conduct of the programme. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks and appreciation for all participating schools, teachers, students and officials for making the event a grand success.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇