NEW DELHI: Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Information Technology, Science and Technology, ARI and Trainings, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated 40 day long photo exhibition on Ambaran "The historical Buddhist Citadel" at Ajanta Hall of National Museum in New Delhi. The exhibition was jointly organised by the National Museum of India and Centre for Himalayan Asian Studies and Engagement (CHASE) New Delhi. The photographs have been clicked by veteran photographer Vijay Kranti and his son Akshat Kranti.

While speaking on the occasion, the Minister remembered the efforts of his father late Madan Lal Sharma, who was also Member Parliament, in preserving his historic site which has religious significance to Buddhists. Satish Sharma said that the photographers of this exhibition acknowledge years of dedicated efforts of former MP late Madan Lal Sharma and his efforts at putting Ambaran and Akhnoor on the national map of Buddhist tourism.

The Minister said that the site is known for its terracotta figures that included Buddha heads of various sizes and ornately dressed male and female statues, with clearly seen influences of the Graeco-Buddhist and Gandhara schools of art. The Minister, while sharing the message of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, asserted that the government has placed special emphasis on promoting the rich cultural heritage of J&K and it's tourism.

Satish Sharma said that Akhnoor is blessed with five extraordinary cultural historical natural and technological specialities which are the Buddhist Monastic site of Ambaran, the Akhnoor fort, the Jia Pota Ghat, Chenab river and peaceful facet at Akhnoor. It is government 's commitment to promote and place Akhnoor on the tourist map of India, he added.

Satish Sharma also informed that similar kind of photo exhibitions will also be held in Jammu and Srinagar after the conclusion of this exhibition. The Minister concluded that this exhibition is a photographic tribute to the archeologists of India and people of Akhnoor. Pertinent to mention that, Ambaran is one of the latest historical findings of Archeological Survey of India and the oldest Buddhist site found so far in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh which is situated at the bank of chenab river. The highest spritual leader and head of Tibetan Buddhism,14th  Dalai Lama had visited this ancient site in November 2012.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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