#KATRA: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 39th Foundation Day celebration of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Matrika Auditorium of SMVD University. The momentous occasion also marked the 14th annual day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor congratulated all the Members, officials and everyone associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and SMVD Gurukul on their achievements and contribution to inclusive development of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, highlighted the measures taken by the Board for hassle-free pilgrimage and to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees.

Speaking on the need for change in the education sector, the Lt Governor said that moral values and scientific thinking is essential for an enriched knowledge system. He called upon the teachers to eliminate the fear of change and proactively adopt new syllabus to ensure holistic education reaches all sections of society.

“Curiosity is the basis of lifelong learning and to address the future challenges. Character Building is vital to build the nation,” the Lt Governor said.

He lauded the efforts of Gurukul in creating a fine balance between pragmatic curriculum which is responsive to the needs of the modern world and spiritual upliftment through Vedic education.

“The learning traditions of ancient India had emphasised on education to develop the complete personality of students so they can become more creative. Our Gurukul education in the past was considered as a treasure of knowledge in science, mathematics and medicine. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul has ensured that education is more practical and also focuses on our values and ideals,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor appreciated the contribution of Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri, and teachers of the Gurukul in the growth of this reputed educational institution.

Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Member of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Gurukul observed the key role of UT Administration for nurturing institution like Gurukul which has kept alive the Vedic and Sanatan traditions in the modern era.

Sh Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, highlighted the initiatives taken by the Board for facilitation of pilgrims.

Dr Dhananjay Mishra, Principal of the Gurukul, presented the Annual Report of the institution while students of the Gurukul staged an impressive Sanskrit play which was highly appreciated by the audience.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the meritorious students, staff members of the Board and the Yatra Marg to the Holy Shrine façade lighting project team. He also released Dr Neelam Sareen’s book titled “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – Ek Alokik Sidh Peeth” and the third edition of Annual Magazine of SMVD Gurukul.

Later, the Lt Governor visited the construction site and inspected the ongoing works of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.

Members of the Shrine Board – Sh Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, Sh Suresh Kumar Sharma and Sh Raghu K. Mehta were present.

Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU; Padma Shri Vishwa Murti Shastri, Member SMVD Gurukul Governing Body and officers from Shrine Board and District administration, besides students, faculty members and prominent citizens were also present.

#JAMMU: With the message of “Aadikaro ko pana hai Mashal ka button dabana hai ” , today Shiv Sena (UBT) released the first list of its candidates for the assembly elections of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a program organized today at Jammu Press Club, chief J&K , Manish Sahni Sahni , while announcing the first list of candidates released by the party high command, said that a decision has been taken to field candidates in Kashmir along with Jammu.

In the first list, a total of eight candidates were announced including Meenakshi Chhibber (Jammu West), Mohammad Ramzan Dar (Hazratbal, Kashmir), Vinod Kotwal (Bhaderwah), Tilak Raj (Ramban), Sanjeev Kumar (Udhampur West), Sahil Gandotra (Udhampur East), Raj Singh (Ram Nagar, Udhampur), Rajesh Kumar (Jasrota Kandi, Kathua).

Sahni said that the second list of candidates will be announced very soon. Every candidate of ours will contest the elections with the resolution of better education and health facilities, protection of cultural identity under Section 371, first right of local people on the resources, jobs, educational institutions of the state, free electricity and water, permanent jobs to daily wagers, safe return of Kashmiri Pandits, restoration of old pension scheme, women empowerment and allowances to educated unemployed youth etc.

Party founder vandania Bala Saheb Thackeray has taught us the lesson of life may be lost but promise should not be lost.

#KISHTWAR: The revered 45-day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024, which commenced on 25th July 2024, has witnessed an overwhelming participation, surpassing the 2 lakh milestone by 21st August 2024.

This year’s Yatra has been marked by a remarkable turnout, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

Under the exceptional leadership of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Administration has been commended for its comprehensive arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for all pilgrims.

The efforts of the District Administration Kishtwar spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, JKAS, have been pivotal in meticulously organizing the pilgrimage, in collaboration with local authorities.

On 21st August 2024, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar paid a visit to Machail, offering prayers at the revered Shree Chandi Mata Darbar for the peace and prosperity of the people of Kishtwar. During his visit, he conducted a thorough review of the arrangements made by the district administration for the convenience of the pilgrims attending the Yatra.

The security arrangements, overseen by SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom have been robust, ensuring the safety of all pilgrims enroute.

The enhanced facilities have been widely appreciated by the devotees, who have expressed their satisfaction with the administration’s efforts.

Significant improvements this year include the extension of the road up to Chashoti, reducing the trekking distance and making the journey less strenuous. The availability of 4G connectivity, helicopter services, and online registration has further streamlined the pilgrimage, allowing devotees to focus on their spiritual journey with ease.

The district administration has prioritized the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims by providing clean and hygienic accommodation facilities. The Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House at Gulabgarh, along with the Yatri Sarai, various tent accommodations, and local stay houses near the Chandi Mata Bhawan in Machail, have been well-equipped to meet the needs of the devotees.

 The administration has also ensured the availability of clean bathrooms, food/ langars by devotees, Medical booths and other essential services.

The administration has appealed to all Yatris to adhere to the guidelines and stay informed by visiting the official website for online registration and updated information.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the Deputy Commissioner has urged pilgrims to carry their Aadhar cards and follow the new timing guidelines as issued on the website.

The district administration remains committed to providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees participating in the Shree Machail Yatra 2024.

JAMMU: To curb the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Command-and-Control Centres have been set up in the offices of Chief Electoral Officer at Jammu and Srinagar. Similarly, on smaller size, control rooms have been made functional on 24 x 7 basis in all 20 DC offices.

Equipped with state-of-art infrastructure, the Command-and-Control Centre has integrated latest technologies. It would function round-the-clock to keep a close vigil on all the election-related activities ensuring strict and prompt action, including against any suspected case of fake news, a statement from the office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K said.

The establishment of Command-and-Control Centres would bolster the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, and will be a collaborative work space to review the situation in all the 90 constituencies of the Union Territory.

“In addition to electronic channels, the Command & Control Centre is also keeping strict vigil on social media channels and media portals and accounts viz a viz Media Monitoring on such elements who may attempt to build any such narrative which can prove detrimental to the peace and tranquillity in the society, violate ECI norms of MCC applicable to all stakeholders,” the statement said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, has appealed all citizens and all political parties to adhere to the guidelines issued by Election Commission of India in order to maintain sanctity of the democratic process in J&K.

He also appealed to general public to use C-Vigil app for highlighting MCC related violations. He assured to take all such complaints to logical conclusion within the time frame of ECI, that is 100 minutes.

#KISHTWAR: The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) of Shree Machail Mata Yatra accompanied by numerous devotees left for Paddar this morning for onward journey here from Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, Kishtwar.

Earlier, Holy Mace arrived in Kishtwar on Sunday evening for the Annual Shree Machail  Mata Yatra 2024.

The Pavitra Chhari was ceremoniously received at the Shree Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, where it rested for the night. The procession resumed its journey for Machail, Paddar today amid adequate security arrangement.

#JAMMU: In a poignant display of appreciation and respect, teachers from The Asian School – Jammu tied rakhi’s on the hands of soldiers from the BSF unit during a special program, “Raksha Ka Dhaga”, held at the camp of BSF near International Border ,Suchetgarh.The event, organized to coincide with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, aimed to express gratitude for the selfless service and sacrifices made by the soldiers to protect the nation.

The Asian School’s Principal, Atul M. Saxena, said, “This initiative is a small token of our appreciation for the bravery and dedication of our soldiers. We are proud to acknowledge their unwavering commitment to our country’s safety.”The soldiers, visibly moved by the gesture, thanked the teachers for their support and encouragement. “This rakhi is a symbol of the bond between us and the people we protect. It strengthens us to serve the nation,” said by a representative of the team.

The program included a cultural show, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting the significance of Raksha Bandhan and the importance of recognizing the soldiers’ contributions.

#KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards enhancing community well-being, the Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (LJ&K-MCS Ltd.) with the support of Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) has introduced a novel initiative during the Shri Chandi Mata Machail Yatra 2024.

The Co-operative is promoting the making of a local delicacy known as Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddoo) which is also the traditional offering prepared by local villagers around Shri Chandi Mata Machail Temple and the entire padar region.

The Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddo) prasad is crafted with a blend of dry fruits and pure Desi ghee, combined with locally sourced Jau Sattu, ensuring a nutritious and delectable offering for the devotees.

A special counter has been established within the temple premises at Shri Machail Mata Bhawan, ensuring that devotees have convenient access to this wholesome Prasad.

This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of healthy Prasad but also creates employment opportunities for local residents, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.

This initiative is expected to improve both the financial health of farmers associated with millet production and promote a healthier lifestyle through the consumption of such crops.

#BREAKING: The Election Commission of India (#ECI) has announced the schedule for the assembly #elections to J-K. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a three-phase election from September: 18, 25, October 1.

Results: October 4

JAMMU: Paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the independence, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of 78th Independence Day in M.A. Stadium.

 He inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of JKP, JKAP, SSB, IRP, Women contingent, Forest Protection Force, Fire & Emergency Services NCC and various several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different Schools.

An impressive display of dance performances showcasing the history and heritage of Jammu Kashmir and celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity and national integration were also presented on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor paid tribute to the freedom fighters and security forces of J&K, who have made immense sacrifices, laying down their lives for the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.

He said that J&K is witnessing the rise of a new era in the last five years and has undertaken a journey towards peace, progress, harmony, prosperity and development.

He underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly moving towards comprehensive development in all sectors of life and emphasised that the region is evolving into a realm free from fear and corruption.

Later, winners of National Anthem Singing competition were also felicitated by the Advisor. The competition was conducted by information Department in above 18, below 18 and group category.

MP Jammu- Rajouri Jugal Kishore Sharma, DDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Commissioner JMC Rahul Yadav along with Judges, Ex PRI members, senior officers from Civil and Security forces, former Legislators were present on the occasion