JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Friday unveiled the Panchang Calendar–2026 and the official diary of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB) at Lok Bhavan. The 2026 Panchang, curated under the expert guidance of eminent scholars and priests, serves as a comprehensive spiritual guide for devotees. It provides detailed information on auspicious dates (tithis), festivals, and religious observances for the year 2026.

The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the Shrine Board’s efforts in preserving timeless spiritual traditions while ensuring modern utility for pilgrims. He observed that such initiatives strengthen the spiritual connect of devotees across the globe and underscore the Shrine Board’s commitment to service. Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB briefed that the calendar also highlights several landmark initiatives of the Shrine Board dedicated to devotees, community welfare and environmental sustainability.

The board has also taken up green Trikuta Hills initiative, an environmental drive aimed at preserving the natural sanctity of the Shrine’s surrounding; the provision of free Langar Sewa for devotees; the Swachhata Abhiyan, reinforcing the message of cleanliness and collective responsibility along the pilgrimage route, and the dedication of five temples to the public in District Reasi, symbolizing the Board’s efforts to enrich the spiritual landscape of the region.

Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Secretary to the Government, Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj; Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB and other senior officers of SMVDSB were present at the unveiling ceremony.

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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