JAMMU: The School of Hospitality and Tourism Management (SHTM), University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Tourism and Travel Management (IITTM), successfully concluded a three-day tour guide skill-building workshop titled “Safar ka Sarthi: Bringing Places to Life” for MBA (TTM) Semester III students.

Organized from October 5 to 7, 2026, the workshop was aimed at enhancing students’ practical skills in tour guiding and strengthening their understanding of destination storytelling, cultural interpretation, group presentation, itinerary management, visitor safety and crisis control.

Dr. Shailja Sharma, Assistant Professor, IITTM Noida, served as the key resource person and conducted engaging, hands-on sessions. To bridge classroom learning with field realities, the workshop incorporated role-play exercises, mock guiding simulations and practical heritage site visits, providing students with experiential exposure to various aspects of professional tour guiding.

Prof. Prashant Gautam, Director, IITTM, along with Dr. D.C. Soni, Nodal Officer, IITTM, Noida, joined the programme online as distinguished guests and extended their support to the industry-oriented academic initiative. They highlighted key initiatives of the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, including Swadesh Darshan 2.0, PRASHAD and capacity-building programmes, which continue to contribute to growth, infrastructure development and sustainable tourism across the country.

They emphasized that collaborative initiatives with IITTM are aligned with these national goals and provide students with essential practical exposure. They further highlighted that formal certification would help enhance the career prospects of the participating students.

During the programme, Prof. Suvidha Khanna, Director, SHTM, and Prof. Anil Gupta, Faculty, SHTM, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Shailja Sharma for conducting the engaging and hands-on sessions. They also conveyed their appreciation to Prof. Prashant Gautam and Dr. D.C. Soni for joining the programme online and supporting the initiative.

The workshop was coordinated by Dr. Nidhi Pathania, who facilitated the interactive modules throughout the programme. The event concluded with a feedback session followed by the distribution of certificates to the participants.

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

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