KISHTWAR: The Department of School Education today kick-started a three-day District-Level Awareness Programme here in the district, focusing on  road safety, social awareness, environmental protection, mental health, drug de-addiction and career guidance. The 03 Day Divisional Level Awareness programme was inaugurated by the Chief Minister of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, Omar Abdullah at Jammu.

The district-level programme was held here at the Government Degree College (GDC). Deputy Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma attended the event as the Chief Guest. The DC was warmly received by the CEO Sanjay Dogra and other officers and staff of the School Education Department. The DC kick-started the programme with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp along with other dignitaries. He also interacted virtually with the  Minister for School Education, Higher Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare Department, UT of J&K Sakeena Itoo.

Highlighting the district’s achievements, the Deputy Commissioner stated that out of 869 schools (Both Government and Private Schools), a mega plantation drive was conducted across all educational institutions, during which 2,000 saplings were planted in a single day. He further expressed confidence that the district would achieve its target of planting 20,000 saplings within the given time period.

Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized that the awareness programme is structured around five major verticals—mental health, traffic awareness, career counseling, environmental management and drug de-addiction. He noted that all key stakeholders, including students, teachers, parents and the wider community, are actively involved in the initiative.

He further elaborated that the 03 Day Awareness Programme is based on three core components: technical sessions led by experts; student engagement activities such as painting, debate and quiz competitions; and public outreach programmes. These efforts aim to ensure awareness at every level, particularly reaching villages and panchayats through school-based initiatives.

The Deputy Commissioner also highlighted the broader vision of planting one sapling for each student in the district, with a target of covering around 55,000 students in a phased manner. On the occasion, the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD) Kishtwar distributed road safety IEC (Information, Education and Communication) material among participants to promote awareness of safe road practices.

The three-day programme is expected to play a significant role in spreading awareness and empowering students and the community across Kishtwar district. At GDC Kishtwar, the programme was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi; ARTO Tasleem Wani; DFO Mahesh Thakur; CEO Sanjay Dogra; Principal GDC Kishtwar Basharat Iqbal; Dy. CEO, BMO; besides other officers from the civil administration, Police and Traffic Police Department.

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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