TANGMARG: A one-day outreach program on “Conserve Medicinal Plants: Safeguard Nature, Safeguard Life” under the CSIR Mission Mode Project, Bioresource Conservation & Prospection (BioCap), was conducted at CSIR-IIIM Experimental Farm Yarikah,(Tangmarg), Kashmir, which was attended by 70 participants  from tribal and farming communities.

 The event was graced by Feroz Ahmad, Divisional Forest Officer, Special Forest Range, Gulmarg. The outreach programme was organized under the mentorship and guidance of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM, Jammu and Er. Abdul Rahim, Chief Scientist and Head, Branch Laboratory, Srinagar.

The main objective of the programme was to make the participants aware about the importance of conserving medicinal plants for human well-being and healthy ecosystem. Speaking on the occasion, Feroz Ahmed, appreciated the efforts of the CSIR-IIIM towards the conservation of natural treasure trove of medicinal plants. He also emphasized the importance of different departments and indigenous communities, joining hands for the success of this Mission. He also expressed his willingness to enter into an MOU with the Institution for Bioresource conservation.

Dr. Nasheeman Ashraf, Nodal Scientist of the mission project on “Bioresource conservation and prospection”, talked about the objectives of the project and the importance of the community role for its successful implementation. She highlighted the role of this multi-institute project in conserving the rare, endangered and threatened plant species of the North-Western Himalayas.

She also lauded the efforts of the Director, CSIR-IIIM in facilitating the Scientist-Farmer connect for the development of sustainable agro-technologies and science–driven agricultural practices. Earlier, Dr. Riyaz-ul-Hassan, Senior Principal Scientist, welcomed the participants and dignitaries, highlighted the role of inter-organismal interaction in maintaining the forest ecosystems.

Among others, Dr. QaziParvaiz Senior Principal Scientist, Dr. Khalid Yousuf, Senior Scientist, Dr. Phalisteen Sultan, Principal Technical Officer, Iftikhar Ahmad Qadri, Range officer, Tangmarg and Mr. Gh. Mohiud din Malik, SDAO Tangmarg and officers from forest and agriculture departments were also present on the occasion.

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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