JAMMU: World Heritage Week 2025 concluded today with a grand felicitation ceremony held at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu. The event marked the completion of a week-long celebration of heritage, culture and community engagement organized by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums under the supervision of Director, K.K. Sidha. Principal Secretary, Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, attended the event as chief guest.

Also present were Deepika Sharma, Secretary in Culture Department; Dr. Rubina Kaunser, Director General Libraries; Harwinder Kaur, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture & Languages; Parvez Ahmed, Special Secretary Culture; Dr. Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; renowned veteran journalist O.P. Sharma and Principal of Rajouri Higher Secondary School.

Throughout the week, a variety of activities were organized including online essay competitions, seminars, workshops, heritage walks and visit to heritage sites such as Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi and the historic Octroi Post at Suchetgarh. The workshops in Wood Carving and Calligraphy drew special attention. In his address, Director Sidha shared that the celebrations focused on inclusivity, bringing together the students, women, ex-servicemen, specially-abled individuals, Kashmiri migrants and orphans. He proudly declared every participant a ā€œHeritage Warrior.ā€

On the occasion, awards were presented to winners of the Online Essay Competition. Advaita (Presentation Convent) and Advay Singh (BVM) were te winners in the junior category while Riya Sharma (GGMHSS Rajouri) and Aradhya Gupta (Jodhamal Public School) secured the senior title. Besides, members of the women's Bike Rally from Shakti Udghosh Foundation were also felicitated.

Addressing the gathering, B M Sharma said that Heritage Week 2025 was a remarkable success, largely because of its inclusive and diverse range of activities. The evening ended on a cultural note, celebrating Jammu & Kashmir’s living heritage with pride and warmth.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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 šŸ‘‡