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Calls Upon Devotees Across India to Join the Sacred Yatra 

Jammu & Kashmir, July 13, 2025: Devyani Rana, Vice President of Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha Jammu and Kashmir UT (J&K BJYM), undertook the sacred pilgrimage to the Shri Amarnath Ji shrine and paid obeisance at the holy cave. Her visit comes during the auspicious month of Shravan, a period revered in the Hindu tradition as especially sacred for the worship of Lord Shiva.

Ms. Rana described the experience as deeply spiritual and profoundly humbling. "There are moments that remind us of who we are, where we come from, and what connects us as a people. This yatra is one such moment. To walk the path so many have walked in devotion, along with feeling the energy of prayer, is both grounding and uplifting," she said.

The month of Shravan is marked by devotion, fasting, and prayers dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is traditionally during this sacred period that the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra draws lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country, united in faith and purpose.

Ms. Rana lauded the Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, administration, and security forces for their exceptional coordination and unwavering dedication to the safety, comfort, and well-being of the pilgrims. “From various facilities to logistical support, every detail has been thoughtfully planned and executed.” She noted.

As the yatra continues through the holy month, Ms. Rana urged devotees from across India to join the divine pilgrimage.

 


SRINAGAR, JULY 03: The Department of Cooperatives today organized a Divisional Level function at Tagore Hall here to commemorate the International Year of Cooperatives 2025, as declared by the United Nations under the global theme: ‘Cooperatives Build a Better World’.

Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Mohammad Shafiq Chak was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Registrar Cooperative Societies highlighted the transformative power of cooperatives in building a sustainable and economically viable society. He said that cooperatives are more than economic enterprises and are value-driven organizations built on solidarity and mutual support.

The Registrar also spoke about the roadmap for cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir, focusing on digital integration, capacity building, financial literacy, and easier access to credit facilities for grassroots organizations.


In his welcome address, Additional Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Kashmir, Bashir Ahmad Wani highlighted the vital role of cooperatives in driving sustainable economic development, inclusive growth, and youth empowerment within the Union Territory.

He shared the department’s vision for the cooperative movement in Jammu and Kashmir and emphasized the revival of primary cooperative societies, particularly in agriculture, dairy, handicrafts, and rural credit—contributing to the economic upliftment of the region.

Speakers from various cooperative societies shared personal insights into how the cooperative movement has transformed their lives and positively impacted their communities, underscoring the movement’s grassroots strength and social value.

Later, the Registrar also inspected exhibition stalls set up by various cooperative societies and held brief, engaging interactions with their representatives.

The event also featured cultural performances, showcasing the cooperative ethos and community spirit unique to the region.

A special segment of the event included the felicitation of Best Performing Cooperative Societies as well as outstanding departmental officers and officials from across Kashmir Division, recognizing their contributions to the sector.


 SRINAGAR, JULY 03: Shri Ram Nath Thakur, Union Minister of State for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today.

He was accompanied by Shri GM Shaheen, President, J&K Janta Dal United (JDU).

 


SRINAGAR, JULY 03: Shri Mohmad Haneefa, Member of Parliament, along with a delegation of students from Ladakh called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today.

The delegation urged the restoration of reservation in admission earlier granted to the students of Ladakh under various courses at SKUAST Kashmir.


 JAMMU, JULY 03: A one-day seminar on “Cooperative Empowerment and Sustainable Agriculture” was successfully organised today at the Auditorium, Kissan Kendra, Directorate of Agriculture, Talab Tillo, Jammu. The event was jointly hosted by Bharatiya Beej Sahakari Samiti Limited (BBSSL), setup under the Ministry of Cooperation, Government of India in collaboration with Unnatu Agri Allied and Marketing Multi-State Cooperative Society. The Department of Agriculture, Jammu actively participated in the programme.

The seminar was held as part of the Cooperative Week Celebrations (1st July – 6th July 2025), commemorating the vital role of cooperatives in strengthening India’s rural and agricultural economy. The event brought together key stakeholders including cooperative leaders, officials from the Agriculture Department, representatives of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Self Help Groups (SHGs) and other allied government agencies.

The main objective of the programme was to strengthen Agricultural Cooperative Societies/Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS) by identifying natural seeds of indigenous plant varieties, including but not limited to food grains, vegetables, fruits and more. The initiative aims to establish a comprehensive system for the preservation, breeding, conservation, production, distribution and promotion of these seeds. BBSSL plans to incentivize farmers cultivating natural seeds through coordinated support from various agencies and to establish seed banks ensuring availability of such seeds to farmers across regions.

Ms. Babila Rakwal, Commissioner Secretary, Department of Cooperatives, was the Chief Guest, while Dr. Arvinder Singh Reen, Director Agriculture Jammu, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

In her address, Ms. Rakwal highlighted the formation and aggregation of 165 cooperative societies in the Union Territory and emphasised their potential in ensuring the supply of quality seeds and generating rural employment. She underscored the importance of identifying and preserving natural seed varieties found in different agro-climatic zones of J&K, pointing out their long-term sustainability compared to hybrid seeds.

Dr. Arvinder Singh Reen, while speaking on the occasion, highlighted the diverse agro-climatic potential of Jammu and Kashmir, which is conducive to seed production of cereals, oilseeds and medicinal and aromatic plants. He emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between the Agriculture and Cooperative Departments to benefit farmers and encouraged exploring allied activities such as beekeeping, mushroom cultivation and exotic vegetable farming.

Representatives from BBSSL, J.P. Singh and Paresh Desai, delivered a detailed presentation on the role of BBSSL in promoting the production, conservation, and distribution of natural seeds. They also informed about collaborative efforts with National Cooperative Organic Ltd. (NCOL) and National Cooperative Export Ltd. (NCEL) to support farmers in production and market linkage.

Key speakers included Dr. Puneet Choudhary, Head KVK Jammu; Vikrant Dogra, Chairman UNATI and Sh. Jyoti Saroop Sharma, M.D. UNATI, who spoke about the ongoing initiatives and future prospects in sustainable agriculture through cooperative models.

As part of the seminar, a plantation drive titled “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was carried out by the distinguished guests along with members of FICCI FLO, promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.


 District Information Centre Kathua inspires youth through laser show highlighting faith, future

KATHUA, JULY 03: In a unique blend of devotion, patriotism and public engagement, the District Information Centre Kathua organised a grand Multi-Themed Laser Show at the iconic Kathua Riverfront to mark the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens of all age groups who gathered in large numbers to enjoy the visual spectacle. The multi-themed show featured a captivating blend of Shiva Tandav, Ganga Aarti, Patriotic Narratives and synchronised Light & Sound Laser displays, drawing repeated rounds of applause from the audience.

Visitors at the Kathua Waterfront restaurants also enjoyed the breathtaking show from the riverside, creating a festive and vibrant ambiance throughout the evening.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Dr Rakesh Minhas, said that the event aimed to engage citizens positively and promote collective responsibility towards making Kathua cleaner and culturally vibrant. "This is just the beginning. More such cultural and public engagement events will be held in the future to strengthen the bond between people and administration" he said. The DC also reiterated the Administration’s commitment to developing Kathua as a model district, highlighting the Garbage-Free Kathua slogan as a collective mission.

Touching upon youth development, Dr Minhas informed the audience about the upcoming International Standard Indoor Stadium at Kathua. "This project will provide world-class sports infrastructure and motivate local youth to excel and bring laurels to Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, and the nation," he said.

On the occasion, Member Legislative Assembly Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan lauded the efforts of the District Administration and Information Department for organising such a visually impactful event. “Kathua Waterfront is fast becoming the new identity of the city. Events like these not only celebrate our faith and traditions but also bring the community together,” he remarked. He also added that the upcoming indoor stadium will be a game-changer for youth empowerment and personality development in the district.

DDC Vice Chairman Raghunandan Singh, ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, District and Sectoral officers were also present on the occasion.


 SRINAGAR, JULY 3: Chief Minister, along-with Minister for Jal Shakti Javed Ahmed Rana today flagged off a fleet of 10 water tankers from the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar.

This special initiative has been undertaken to ensure adequate water supply especially during Muharram.

The initiative aims to augment water supply services across Kashmir valley, particularly in water-stressed areas facing temporary disruptions in piped water delivery due to peak summer demand or ongoing infrastructure development.

The event witnessed the presence of Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, several MLAs, senior officials from the Jal Shakti Department, representatives from the Public Health Engineering (PHE) wing, among others.


Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasized the government’s commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to safe and clean drinking water for every household in Jammu & Kashmir.

Minister of Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, in his remarks, highlighted that the tankers will be strategically deployed to areas experiencing acute water shortages and will operate in coordination with local administrative units to ensure timely delivery.

The Chief Minister also appreciated the presence of elected representatives on the occasion, stating that such collective participation underscores the government’s inclusive and responsive approach to governance.

 


SAMBA, JULY 3: In a spiritually uplifting initiative to mark the commencement of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025, the District Administration Samba organized a devotional and cultural evening at the revered Chichi Mata Temple.

The proceedings were formally inaugurated by Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, who paid obeisance at the shrine and invoked divine blessings for the safe, smooth, and successful conduct of the Yatra. His presence underscored the administration’s unwavering commitment to facilitating this sacred pilgrimage.

The atmosphere was imbued with devotional fervor as local artists rendered soul-stirring bhajans, enthralling the audience and elevating the spiritual ambience. The resonant hymns echoed through the temple premises, creating an aura of serenity and reverence.

The event was graced by the presence of Additional District Development Commissioner Champa Devi, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, officers from the civil administration, Shri Amarnath Ji pilgrims and an enthusiastic gathering of local devotees.

This initiative served not only as a gesture of warm hospitality to the Yatris but also as a celebration of the region’s vibrant spiritual and cultural ethos. The District Administration reaffirmed its resolve to provide a seamless, secure and spiritually enriching experience to all pilgrims embarking on this revered journey.

 


KISHTWAR, JULY 03: The revered Annual Yatra of Shri Ashtadash Bhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji commenced today in Kishtwar, marking the beginning of a joyous and spiritually significant event.

The yatra began with a grand Hawan ceremony held at Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, where devotees fervently offered Aahuti and Puran Aahuti (sacred oblations).

Accompanied by an impressive Shoba Yatra, the Chari Mubarak (holy procession) proceeded through Chowgan Ground, Shaheedi Chowk, and the Bus Stand, starting from Gori Shankar Mandir.

Thousands of devotees, including men, women, and children, enthusiastically chanted religious slogans and bhajans, while traditional "Paddari Dance" to drum beats resonated along the procession route.

Local communities from various neighborhoods extended a warm welcome to the Holy Chari.

At the Bus Stand, devotees boarded buses and other vehicles to make their way to the historic Shri Sarthal Devi Temple in Kishtwar.

A grand Jagran (night-long devotional singing) is going to be organized today at the Sarthal Devi Mata Bhawan, adding to the spiritual fervor of the yatra.

Tomorrow morning, on 04 July, a Maha Yajna (grand religious ritual) will be performed at Sarthal Devi Mandir.

The district administration and police have made meticulous arrangements for security, drinking water, power supply, transportation, and other essential facilities at Kishtwar and Sarthal to ensure a smooth and comfortable experience for the devotees.

Sarthal Devi Ji is revered as the "Kul Devi" (patron goddess) of the region.

The historic yatra has been organized every year since the Dogra regime, and each devotee holds a deep and unique faith in this sacred pilgrimage.

The yatra is annually organized by the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust, under the patronage of Dr. Karan Singh, the sole trustee and Vikramaditya Singh, Chairman Trustee of the Trust.

Pooja Thakur, Chairperson of the District Development Council (DDC) Kishtwar; MLA Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar; Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Pankaj Kumar Sharma; prominent socio-religious personalities of Kishtwar; key officers from the civil and police administration; Arvind Parihar, President of Santan Dharma Sabha and Sanjeev Parihar, Vice Chairman of Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust, among others were present on the occasion.