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KATHUA: Government GLDM Degree College, Hiranagar, under the aegis of its Internal Quality Assurance Cell (IQAC), organized a one-day National Seminar on Solid Waste Management, sponsored by the National Academy of Science India (NASI), Jammu Chapter. The hosting Seminar was aimed to sensitize participants about the health impacts of solid waste, promote resource conservation, and motivate proper handling and disposal of waste.

DC Kathua Dr. Rakesh Minhas was the Chief Guest; Secretary NASI, Jammu Chapter Prof. R.N. Gohil was the Guest of Honor besides former Head, Department of Environmental Sciences, University of Jammu Prof. Anil Kumar Raina and Rector Bhaderwah Campus, as the Keynote Speaker.

The event commenced with the traditional lamp lighting ceremony accompanied by Saraswati Vandana, followed by a welcome address by the College Principal, Dr. Pragya Khanna who emphasized the importance of addressing solid waste management as a pressing environmental issue. A presentation by Head of the Department, Computer Sciences Prof. Roopali Jamwal, showcased the various curricular and co-curricular activities undertaken by the college.

The Newsletter ‘Quality Reporter’ of the college was also released during the event by the Chief Guest and dignitaries. The DC lauded the college for organizing a seminar on such a critical issue. Drawing from his administrative experiences, he shared insights on waste segregation and proper disposal, inspiring the audience to adopt environmentally responsible practices.

Prof. R.N. Gohil emphasized the “3Rs” of waste management—Refuse, Reuse, and Recycle—and encouraged students to think creatively about alternative uses for solid waste to transform it into a resource. Keynote Speaker Prof. Anil Kumar Raina delivered an insightful address on "Zero Waste Management," highlighting the negative impact of the "use-and-throw" culture and the alarming issue of food wastage. He suggested practical approaches for effective solid waste management and encouraged sustainable practices.

The seminar's technical sessions included presentations by eminent speakers including Prof. Deepak Pathania (Department of EVS, Central University of Jammu) discussed "Transforming Waste to Wealth for Achieving Circular Economy," elaborating on waste-to-resource methods such as biogas production, mushroom cultivation, and ethanol production from agricultural waste.

Dr. Anuradha Gupta (Nodal Officer, Solid Waste Management, J&K Pollution Control Board) motivated students to start waste segregation and composting at home while inspiring their families to do the same. Dr. Parik Kumar (Assistant Professor, Civil Engineering, IIT Jammu) provided insights on effective waste management practices and the importance of segregation at the source.

The session concluded with a poignant and relevant poem on solid waste management recited by Dr. Geeta Lakhotra from GDC Bishnah. The event also included poster and model presentation competitions, with participation from 42 schools and colleges. In Model Presentation, 1st Prize was bagged by Infant Jesus Higher Secondary School, 2nd Prize by Government High School, Gurha Mundian and 3rd Prize was clinched by Government High School, Khanpur

In Poster Presentation, GDC Bishnah was judged 1st, GCW Gandhi Nagar as 2nd and GDC Samba as 3rd. The competitions were adjudicated by a jury of esteemed academicians, including Dr. Nazia Rasool Latifi, Dr. Sudesh Kumar, Dr. Suraya Pratap Singh, Dr. Shalini Sharma, Dr. Asha Singh, and Prof. Arvind Kumar.

The seminar was coordinated by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, IQAC Convener; Prof. Amit Kumar Sharma, Organizing Secretary; and Prof. Neeru Sharma, Co-organizing Secretary, with dedicated efforts from the college staff. Event proceedings were managed by Prof. Shapia Shameem, Dr. Rajni Bala, Prof. Shivani Slathia, and Dr. Inaam-Ul-Haq, along with NSS and Eco-Club students, including Dakshita, Shubam, Lalit, Mohit, Saloni and others. The seminar concluded with a formal vote of thanks presented by Dr. Rajesh Kumar Sharma, Convener, IQAC.

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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