• India's growing economic power and India's culture, art, and traditions are gaining global recognition: LG Sinha
  • Our philosophical, spiritual and artistic capability is drawing admiration worldwide. This growing global interest is strengthening India's soft power: LG
  • Basohli is not just a geographical point on the map. It is not just a part of history books but Basohli is the energy field of the seekers associated with art, literature and tradition who have dedicated every particle of their body and every moment of their life to attain the expertise in different art forms: LG
  • Basohli Utsav reminds all sections of society that they are inheritors of the great heritage of India and they need to contribute to the cultural renaissance and in the journey towards a developed India: LG
  • As we intensify the process for Viksit Bharat, there is a need to focus on promoting our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and ensure their transmission to young generation: LG Sinha

JAMMU: Basohli Utsav, organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Divisional Administration, Jammu and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today at Basohli, Kathua. The Inaugural session was also graced by Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, DDC Chairman, Kathua and Shri Thakur Darshan Singh, MLA, Basohli.

“I Consider the Basohli Utsav as the Mahakumbh of Art, Culture and Tradition. Basohli Utsav reminds all sections of society that they are inheritors of the great heritage of India and they need to contribute to the cultural renaissance and in the journey towards a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that as we intensify the process for Viksit Bharat, there is a need to focus on promoting our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and ensure their transmission to the young generation.

“India's growing economic power and India's culture, art, and traditions are gaining global recognition. Our philosophical, spiritual and artistic capability is drawing admiration worldwide. This growing global interest is strengthening India's soft power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the Basohli Utsav is an opportunity to promote Brand Basohli to every corner of the country and abroad, and to provide a global platform for the handicrafts and world-renowned paintings of Basohli.

“Basohli is a complete exuberance of art and culture and there is sensitivity embedded in Basohli's traditions. Basohli is not just a geographical point on the map. It is not just a part of history books but Basohli is the energy field of the seekers associated with art, literature and tradition who have dedicated every particle of their body and every moment of their life to attain the expertise in different art forms,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, a Whole of Government approach is required to promote Basohli painting across the country and abroad, and to ensure the prosperity of artist. He also urged the youth to participate in the symposium and workshop on Ramayana during the Basohli Utsav. It was informed that the Basohli Utsav will be an annual festival and a part of the annual calendar of events for the Department of Culture.

The Lieutenant Governor released five publications—'Lok Mein Ram’, ‘Ramayan Ki Stree Gatha’, ‘Ram Ka Ghar’, ‘Ram Ki Sanjeevani’ and ‘Tribes of Ramayana’. The publications, touching upon diverse dimensions of the epic from women’s perspectives to tribal traditions and the cultural ethos of Lord Ram, enriched the Utsav and complementing its artistic and spiritual spirit.

Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Shakti Kumar Pathak, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K; Shri Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; Ms Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Ms Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL senior officers and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.

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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