Dear Readers, JK Monitor has always been committed to keeping you informed with news and updates that matter. Today, we invite you to become a part of our journey and help us continue serving you. We appeal to our readers, well-wishers, and supporters of independent journalism to come forward and contribute towards the continued growth and sustainability of JK Monitor. Every contribution, big or small, is a valuable gesture of support. JK Monitor is more than a news platform; it is a voice we build together. Your support can help keep that voice strong. To contribute or know more, please contact us at 9906103001. Stand with JK Monitor. Support independent journalism.

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting of the Central Committee of Jammu Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), at Lok Bhavan.

The meeting was attended by Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Shri Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Higher Education Department; Ms. Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL; Dr Satish Vimal; Prof Bashar Bashir, and Principals of Institute of Music and Fine Arts, University of Jammu and University of Kashmir.

The Central Committee granted in-principle approval to several key proposals, including affiliation for continuing Calligraphy Course, Annual Plan of Expenditure for the FY 2026-27 and the designing of a new Academy logo, which will feature all five official languages of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for accelerating the digitization process of all Academy libraries and implementing a well-crafted plan for capacity building of the Academy artists and staff.  He instructed the Academy to expedite the process of accreditation of artists and filling the vacant posts.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that a comprehensive strategy involving the Education, Sports, and Culture departments must be formulated to promote vibrant cultural activities in schools and colleges to boost youth engagement. The Lieutenant Governor also applauded the Culture Academy’s performance in the Vande Mataram initiative.

Shri Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department, gave a detailed presentation highlighting JKAACL’s recent milestones. The committee was informed that the Academy successfully organized over 470 events across Jammu, Kashmir, and other parts of the country, engaging 14,117 artists and writers. Major commemorative events included 150 Years of Vande Mataram celebrations, Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, Har Ghar Tiranga Yatra, Nukkad Natak under Nasha Mukt J&K Campaign, Samvidhaan Hatya Diwas, Birth Anniversary of Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, and Constitution Day.

It was further informed that The Jammu & Kashmir Tableau was a major attraction during the Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrations at Ekta Nagar, Gujarat, on 31st October 2025. Furthermore, the J&K Tableau clinched the Second Prize at the Republic Day Parade 2026 in New Delhi, a historic national achievement for the Union Territory after 24 years.

The Committee also reviewed the Action Taken Report from the previous meeting which was held in 2021. On the occasion, a Shina-Urdu dictionary and Annual Report of the Academy were also released.

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 👇