KATRA: The 9-day long Navratra Festival’s All India Devotional Song Competition in the holy township of Katra came to musical conclusion last evening with Aditya Kumar from Jammu bagging the prestigious first prize in the Mega Final.

The 2nd prize was shared by Aarav Wazir from Katra and Sukhjinder from Punjab and the 3rd prize went to Stanzin Edzes from Jammu. In all, 8 singers contested in the final of the Competition which was jointly organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, J&K Tourism & PTC Network in association with SMVD Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, J&K Bank, Nice Gems, Nidheesh Builders Jammu Pvt. Ltd., Yog Ashram Complex,Hotel & Restaurant Association, Katra, PHDCCI Jammu Region with active support of District Administration and the local host Community.

The function concluded amidst chanting of Bhajans and beating of drums at Yog Ashram Complex. Member Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Noted Bollywood and media personalities including Managing Director Venus WorldWide Entertainment Pvt.Ltd, Ganesh Jain, Actor Deepak Prasher, Actress Preeti Sapru, Film Trade Analyst  & Film Maker Vikas Mohan were the judges for the Mega final.

 The Chief Guest MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Legislative Assembly Baldev Raj Sharma, Joint Director Tourism Jammu Aijaz Qaiser, Chairman Devotional Song Committee & President Hotel Association Rakesh Wazir and other guests gave away prize of Rs.3 lakh in the shape of gold to the first prize winner Aditya from Jammu, Gold worth Rs 1 lakh to 2nd position holders Aditya Wazir from Katra and Sukhjinder from Punjab and Gold worth Rs 50,000 to third position holder Stanzin Edzes from Jammu. Chief Executive Officer Katra Development Gopal Singh, Famous Celebrity Singer Inderjit Nikku, Former winners of Competition Sonali Dogra, Laisel Rai, Ravi Kumar, Yog Acharya Swami Yoga Nand Ji Maharaj, Guru Kirti Khajuria, Virender Kesar, Sardari Lal Dubay and others were also present.

Celebrity Singer Inderjit Nikku, Former winners of Competition Sonali Dogra, Laisel, Rai and Ravi Kumar enthralled the audience with their performances and people were seen dancing on their songs.

Jugal Kishore Sharma said that the competition has attained new heights of fame over the years. He complimented the organizers and thanked all the people and organizations and the people from film and media fraternity for extending their cooperation in making it a grand success.

MLA Baldev Raj Shrama lauded the Department of Tourism, SMVD Shrine Board and organisers in particular for making this Navratra Festival and its major event the All India Devotional Song Competition a huge success.

Joint Director Tourism Jammu said that besides providing a valued platform to the singers, the live telecast of the event across the world has given vast publicity to the event and Tourism of Union Territory and Jammu region in particular.

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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