JAMMU: NBA House, previously held in Brazil, Canada, France, Mexico, the US, and the UK, arrived in India at a time when the game had just begun to garner a passionate following in the country. 

The first-ever NBA House in India was held at the DOME, SVP Stadium in Mumbai, celebrating basketball, music, and culture. It featured interactive events, live musical performances, contests and appearances by NBA legends like Gary Payton.In line with the NBA's well-known association with fashion, through fashion-forward players such as Russell Westbrook, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade, a dedicated grooming space was introduced at the venue.

For this, the organisers especially chose celebrity hair designer Darshan Yewalekar who set up his D Barbershop at the venue, making him the first Indian hair designer to collaborate directly with the NBA House.“Yes, it was truly an honour to be part of the first NBA House hosted in India,” says Darshan. "Earlier in my career, I had an indirect association with the league through my work with Ranveer Singh, the NBA brand ambassador for India.

So, when I got the opportunity to bring D Barbershop to the venue, I was determined to create a fresh, memorable experience for visitors," he adds.Having worked with several Bollywood stars like Salman Khan, Vicky Kaushal, Saif Ali Khan, Akshay Kumar, Jaideep Ahlawat and counting, Darshan also reflected on the close link between the NBA and fashion.

“NBA players have influenced global grooming trends and fashion idioms profoundly and they are trendsetters off the court as much as they are on it. It was quite enlightening to learn how deeply Indian fans connect with their style and want to take cues from them when it comes to grooming and hair design," concludes Darshan.

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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