JAMMU: Principal Secretary Culture, Brij Mohan Sharma, today inaugurated a two day Rare Coins Exhibition at Kala Kendra, Jammu. The event was organized to mark observance of World Numismatic Week–2025 by Kala Kendra under the aegis of Department of Culture, Government of Jammu & Kashmir.  A galaxy of art lovers, painters, heritage collectors and dignitaries were present to witness the inaugural ceremony.

While addressing the gathering, Brij Mohan Sharma stated “each coin on display is not merely a piece of metal, it is a witness to history, culture and tradition. It stands as a silent storyteller of trade, governance, empires and the everyday lives of our ancestors.” He emphasized that through their inscriptions, materials, shapes and symbols, coins serve as vital carriers of our collective cultural memory.

The Principal Secretary invited all the collectors and cultural organizations to join hands with the government for resolving issues faced by the heritage collector  community. He announced that the Department of Culture has devised a new scheme to recognize and reward Non-Governmental Organizations working with commitment and zeal in the field of culture, heritage preservation and promotion.

Dr. Javaid Rahi, Secretary Kala Kendra, informed that the exhibition is featuring around 1000 rare coins from various historical periods. These included those of Kanishka, Indo-Greek rulers, Pre and post Islamic Kashmir, the Mughal Empire, British era, Sikh and Dogra regimes besides post-Independence India. He said the primary objective of the event is to provide a platform to the collectors to showcase their prized coin collections.

Prominent collectors whose collections are on display included Dr. Suresh Kumar Abrol, Founder, Shashvat Art Gallery, Jammu), Inder Singh, Himalayan Heritage Museum, Jammu), Sudhir Gupta, Ashok Kumar Koul and Ramesh Kumar Raina. Their exhibits have been displayed at the Master Sansar Chand Gallery within Kala Kendra.

Special Secretaries Culture Department, Trishla Kundal and Malikzada Sheeraz ul Haq besides eminent authors and cultural personalities like Khalid Hussain, A.S. Amn, Liaqat Jafri and Raj Kumar Behropia, along with senior officers of Culture Department including Vishivjeet, Raiz Chowdhary and Amar Singh were present on the occasion. They also spoke on the subject and appreciated the initiative. The exhibition will remain open to the public till evening of April 25, 2025.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇