KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi College of Nursing (SMVDCoN), Kakryal, successfully concluded its two-day Inter-College Nursing Fest ‘Tarang 2026’ today with a valedictory function at the Spiritual Growth Centre, Katra. The fourth edition of the fest coincided with the completion of ten years of the College’s journey and the approval of its Postgraduate Nursing Programme. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from nursing colleges in a wide range of cultural, creative, literary and sporting competitions.

Shri Alok Kumar Maurya, Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB graced the valedictory function and distributed prizes among the winners. Congratulating the winners and participants, he appreciated SMVDCoN for successfully organizing the fest and lauded the students for their enthusiasm and talent. He emphasized that such festivals promote healthy competition, interaction, friendship and coordination among students from different colleges.

He also highlighted the initiatives undertaken under the chairmanship of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt. Governor, JK-UT, and the able guidance of Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO, SMVDSB, for the holistic development of SMVDCoN students and the advancement of medical and nursing education in the region. He urged students to work hard, maintain discipline and cultivate professional competence and ethical values to emerge as exemplary nursing professionals and responsible human beings.

A total of 750 students from 10 nursing colleges of Jammu and Kashmir including the host institution, participated in the mega fest. SMVDCoN, Kakryal, emerged as the overall champion, retaining the coveted title for the fourth consecutive year. Bee Enn College of Nursing secured the first runner-up position, while Royal College of Nursing was adjudged the second runner-up.

Earlier in the morning, athletics competitions were inaugurated at the Shrine Board’s Sports Complex, Katra. SMVDCoN secured first positions in the 100-metre and 400-metre races, badminton and March Past, further consolidating its overall championship standing.

Students of SMVDCoN, Anjali Sharma secured the first prize in Pitch Poster, while Samya Qureshi won the Pencil Sketching competition, whereas, Divya Sharma and Taniya Chib secured the first position in the English and Hindi Debate competitions, respectively. SMVDCoN also emerged victorious in both Group Singing and Solo Singing, while Neha of Galaxy College of Nursing secured the first position in the Group Dance and Solo Dance events during the Talent Night. SMVDCoN also secured the first prize in the Street Food without Fire competition.

Dr. Shailla Cannie, Principal, SMVDCoN, delivered the welcome address whereas, Shri Johny Kutty Joseph, Convener of Tarang 2026, presented the activity report, highlighting the key events and achievements of the fest. Ms. Supriya and Ms. Banita Rana, Nursing Tutors and Organizing Secretaries, presented the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to the dignitaries, participating institutions, faculty members, staff and students for their valuable contribution to the successful conduct of the event.

Among those present on the occasion were senior officers of SMVDSB including Shri Pawan Kumar Goswami, Dy. Chief Executive Officer; Dr. Yashpal Sharma, Administrator, SMVDCoN; Dr. Gopal Sharma, Asstt. Chief Executive Officer and Shri Vinay Khajuria, ACF, besides faculty members, staff and students of the host institution and representatives of the participating nursing colleges.

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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