KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) today celebrated the 12th International Yoga Day with great enthusiasm at the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Sports Complex, Katra. The programme was organized in collaboration with the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan and witnessed active participation from Shrine Board officers and employees with families, sportspersons, students, local residents and other stakeholders.

This year’s International Day of Yoga is being observed globally under the theme ā€œYoga for Healthy Ageingā€, highlighting the vital role of yoga in promoting physical vitality, mental well-being and healthy living across all age groups.

The event commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the traditional lamp by Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, along with senior officers of the Shrine Board and other dignitaries, marking the formal inauguration of the programme. Thereafter, participants performed the Common Yoga Protocol and took part in sessions comprising various yoga asanas, pranayama and meditation under the guidance of experienced instructors from the Bharatiya Yog Sansthan. The sessions were aimed at fostering holistic health, inner balance and overall well-being.

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, under the Chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir, has consistently promoted wellness initiatives through the Sports Complex, which has emerged as a prominent centre for sports, fitness and yoga activities in the region. The observance of International Day of Yoga reflects the Shrine Board’s continued commitment towards encouraging healthy lifestyles and promoting physical and mental well-being among employees, devotees and the local community.

On the occasion, similar yoga sessions were also organized at Bhawan and Adhkuwari, witnessing enthusiastic participation from Shrine Board employees and personnel of various security agencies. The Shrine Board has been commemorating the International Day of Yoga regularly since the inauguration of the Sports Complex by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India in 2016, reaffirming its commitment to fostering a culture of health, wellness and holistic living among its employees, stakeholders and the wider community.

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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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