In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

KATRA: The All India Devotional Song Competition, being organised as part of Navratra Utsav 2026, was inaugurated at Yog Ashram Complex in the evening with the lighting of the traditional lamp by Chief Planning Officer Reasi Narinder Kumar.

The event is being organised with the active support of the district administration Reasi and the local community to promote devotional music and provide a platform to budding singers.

On the fifth night of the competition, Lalit Bhardwaj from Jammu secured the first position, while Rani Sagar bagged the second position. Mukesh from Kanyala and Manjeet from Jalandhar shared the third position among the 13 participants who auditioned. The winners were awarded cash prizes of ₹10,000, ₹5,000 and ₹3,000, respectively, by the distinguished guests.

The competition was adjudicated by a panel of music experts, comprising Dr. Surinder Sharma, Head of the Department at Government Degree College, Sanjoli, Himachal Pradesh; C. L. Verma, former Chairman of Postgraduate University, Himachal Pradesh; Anupama Sharma, Professor of Music at Degree College Parade Jammu and renowned singers Jonny Sufi and Naveen Punjabi.

Additionally, Celebrity singer Jonny Sufi and former competition winner Naveen Punjabi enthralled the audience with their captivating performances. Their energetic singing drew an enthusiastic response, with people seen dancing to their melodious tunes.

Speaking on the occasion, Narinder Kumar said that the competition not only provides a valuable platform for aspiring singers to showcase their talent but also plays an important role in promoting tourism in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. He encouraged young and emerging singers to participate enthusiastically in the competition and make the most of the opportunities it offers.

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
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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