SRINAGAR: The “Kashur Riwaaj 2025” Cultural Festival, a vibrant celebration of Kashmir's rich cultural heritage, was held in Baramulla, and was graced by Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir. Organised by the Indian Army's Chinar Corps in collaboration with the District Administration of Baramulla, the festival aimed to revitalise and showcase traditional Kashmiri art forms, while emphasising youth engagement, as also raise awareness about the perils of substance abuse.

The festival achieved a remarkable milestone by setting two unprecedented world records, adjudicated by the Universal Records Forum (URF). The first record was set for the largest “Ladishah Performance”, featuring an impressive 20,000 students across 162 locations in the district. Ladishah, a centuries-old Kashmiri musical storytelling tradition, seamlessly weaves together satire, humour and social commentary, historically serving as a powerful medium for social awareness and commentary in rural communities. The Second record was achieved in the realm of “Kalamkari” (Calligraphy), where 18,350 young participants collectively penned the patriotic verse “SaareJahaan Se Achha”, a symbol of National pride and unity, in the traditional calligraphic style.

In his address, Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir lauded the achievements by our youth and commended the Indian Army's commitment in preserving Kashmir's rich cultural legacy and promoting peace and development in the region. The success of KashurRiwaaj 2025 serves as a testament to the power of effective military-civil collaboration and reaffirmation of Kashmir's vibrant cultural identity through meaningful youth engagement. The participants exuded pride in contributing to this record-setting moment, describing it as a truly unforgettable experience. The festival set a new benchmark for not only revival of ourtraditional culture but also invigoratedyouth engagement in the valley.

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 👇