JAMMU: Lagan Society for Art and Culture (Regd.) honored renowned playwright and director Kumar A ‘Bharti’ with the prestigious Dogra Rattan Sammaan for his exceptional contributions to the field of Dogri Art and Culture. The felicitation ceremony was organized by the Lagan Society for Art and Culture (LSAC), J&K, at a special event that brought together leading figures in the cultural and artistic community.

The event was graced by Jenab Sohail Kazmi (Sr. Journalist and Social Activist), who served as the Chief Guest. In his address, Jenab Kazmi expressed his pride and admiration for Kumar. A. ‘Bharti,’ noting the importance of honoring such a towering personality in the region's cultural landscape. He also emphasized his hope that Bharti will continue to make remarkable contributions to Dogri Art in the future.

The felicitation program began with a paper reading on the life, works and achievements of Kumar. A. ‘Bharti,’ presented by Shri Rajesh Kumar Verma (President, LSAC). He applauded Bharti’s invaluable work in Dogri Folk Theatre and highlighted his prolific career, which includes writing 27 full-length stage plays. Many of Bharti’s works have been celebrated at various national festivals, winning awards for best play, best music and best direction. His vibrant theatre productions have taken him across India and his written contributions to Folk Theatre in J&K are well-known.

He is a celebrated playwright and director known for his significant contributions to Dogri Folk Theatre and has dedicated his life and career to promoting the cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar. A. ‘Bharti’ was honored with a Dogra Pagri, a citation, a souvenir and a shawl, as a mark of respect for his dedication to preserving and promoting the region's cultural heritage.

In his acceptance speech, Bharti expressed his gratitude to the Lagan Society for honoring his contributions. He congratulated the team for their efforts in celebrating the art and artists of Dogri culture and thanked them for recognizing his work.

Others who were present at the ceremony included Adv. Sandeep Gupta (Patron, LSAC), Sonia Dogra (Treasurer, LSAC), Shubham Manmar (IT Incharge, LSAC), Rohit Bains (Joint Secretary, LSAC), Akram Khan (Sr. Theatre Director), Dr. Abhishek Bharti (Renowned Theatre Director), Aditya Bharti, Rakesh Dogra, Shivani Sharma, Dr. Jug Mohan Singh and Vikul Gupta. At the end, President, LSAC, presented a vote of thanks.

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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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