JAMMU: The University of Jammu today flagged off a team of students selected to participate in the prestigious Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme, a national initiative of the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) and North Eastern Council (NEC), Government of India. The programme is being organised under the broader vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat to promote cultural understanding, national integration and youth-to-youth engagement across regions.

A contingent of 21 students drawn from various departments of the University, accompanied by team in-charges Dr. Daud Iqbal Baba, Director, DSPE, and Ms. Richa Mandla, will attend the youth exchange programme at the National Institute of Technology (NIT), Nagaland, from December 16 to December 29, 2025.

The flag-off ceremony was led by Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies; Prof. J.P. Singh Joorel, Dean Academic Affairs; Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, University of Jammu; and Prof. Prakash Chand Antahal, Dean Students Welfare, Prof. Monika Chadha,  Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee,  Prof. Sarika Manhas,  Co-Chairperson Campus Cultural Committee along with other members of the Department of Students Welfare. While interacting with the students, the dignitaries encouraged them to act as cultural ambassadors of Jammu and Kashmir and to make the most of this opportunity for learning, exchange and national bonding.

The Ashtalakshmi Darshan Youth Exchange Programme 2025 aims to bring together nearly 1,280 students from different parts of the country to the eight North Eastern states in phased batches. Beginning from November 2025, the programme focuses on immersive cultural experiences, interaction with local communities and educational institutions, and a deeper understanding of the social, linguistic and cultural diversity of the North East. The initiative is being spearheaded at the national level under the leadership of Union Minister for DoNER and NEC, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia.

Through this exchange, the participating students from the University of Jammu will gain firsthand exposure to the rich traditions, languages and way of life of Nagaland, while also sharing the cultural heritage, art forms and lived experiences of Jammu and Kashmir with students of NIT Nagaland.

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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