BANDIPORA: As part of its sustained commitment to strengthening mental health and addiction recovery services, District Drug De-Addiction Centre (DDAC), Bandipora under the auspices of District Social Welfare Office, Bandipora Saturday organised another Special Psychiatric Consultation featuring renowned psychiatrist Dr. Aijaz Ahmad.

The initiative witnessed an encouraging response, with around 20 people availing free psychiatric consultation and assessment. The beneficiaries comprised individuals undergoing treatment for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), many of whom were also experiencing co-existing mental health conditions requiring specialised psychiatric intervention.

Before the consultation, the DDAC team conducted a comprehensive Group Counselling Session, focusing on the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle practices as an integral component of long-term recovery. Participants were sensitised about the significance of quality sleep, balanced nutrition, maintaining strong family and social relationships, regular physical activity and self-discipline in achieving sustained mental well-being.

During the awareness session, the beneficiaries were introduced to the ABCD Model for Mental Well-being, comprising A–Adopt Healthy Sleep Habits, B–Balanced Diet, C–Connectivity with Family, Friends and Positive Support Systems, and D -Daily Physical Activity and Self-Discipline. The model was presented as a practical framework to promote healthy behavioural changes and strengthen recovery outcomes.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad highlighted the close association between addiction and mental health, stressing that timely psychiatric care plays a vital role in preventing relapse and improving overall quality of life. He also demonstrated simple yet effective coping strategies, including deep breathing exercises, stress management techniques, positive thinking, emotional regulation and self-care practices to help affected effectively deal with anxiety, stress and emotional challenges during recovery.

The programme concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which the beneficiaries expressed satisfaction over the compassionate care, professional guidance and the availability of free psychiatric consultation services at DDAC Bandipora. Many described the initiative as a valuable source of motivation and confidence in their journey towards sustained recovery.

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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