Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Indian Institute of Management Jammu today inaugurated the 18th batch of the Nurturing Future Leadership Training Programme under the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, an initiative of the Ministry of Education.
The five-day programme aims to promote leadership development, collaborative learning and academic excellence among educators. A total of 27 participants from different parts of the country are attending the training, reflecting diverse regional representation.
The inaugural session was presided over by Prof Prashant Mishra, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy (EE&C), while Programme Directors Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal and Dr. Sourav Mondal were also present.
Dr. Sourav Mondal, in his welcome address, highlighted the evolving role of teachers as mentors and leaders, emphasizing the importance of continuous learning, adaptability and collaboration in the modern academic environment. He noted that the programme provides a platform for mutual learning and exchange of ideas.
In his address, Prof. Prashant Mishra described the programme as a meaningful engagement that fosters growth through shared learning and experiences. He underscored the importance of curiosity, openness and lifelong learning, urging participants to embrace new perspectives.
Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal welcomed the participants and stressed that diversity within the cohort would enrich the learning experience. He encouraged participants to engage actively and learn from one another.
The session concluded with a vote of thanks, marking the beginning of the training programme aimed at nurturing future academic leaders.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 20: Daily wagers of various engineering and non engineering departments held a massive protest here, today demanding their regularization and implementation of Minimum Wage Act.
The protest witnessed participation from Midday Meal cooks, CPW workers, land donors, ASHA workers, Mali-cum-Chowkidars, ITI, PHE employees, Anganwadi workers, SPOs, seasonal teachers, VDG members, Home Guards, and SBM workers.
During the protest, the workers strongly raised their demand for the immediate implementation of the Minimum Wages Act. They stated that they have been working for years on meager wages, which are insufficient to meet their basic livelihood needs.
The protest was held under the banner of All Daily Wagers of Jammu & Kashmir Sangrash Samiti. The representatives of the Sangarsh Samiti highlighted that despite repeated appeals and assurances, their demands have not been addressed. As a result, the workers have been compelled to go on strike as a mark of protest.
Raising slogans in support of their demands, they warned that if their genuine demands are not fulfilled at the earliest, they will intensify their agitation in the coming days.
The protesting workers urged the Government to take immediate steps to ensure fair wages and justice for all daily wagers.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha (SGRDS) today celebrated 649th Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Ravi Dass ji Maharaj and 135th Birth Anniversary of Bharat Rattan Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar under the presidentship of Vikram Singh.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Shri 108 Swami Gurdeep Giri Ji Maharaj in his spiritual sermons said, “Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravi Dass Maharaj gave importance to education.
Guru ji said “Madho Avidhya Hitt keen Vivek Deep Maleen ” Without education we lose wisdom.
He also threw light on the life and mission of Bharat Rattan Baba Saheb Dr B R Ambedkar. Baba Saheb always stressed for equality. There must be equality among all human beings.
It is pertinent to mention here that Shri Shri 108 Swami Gurdeep Giri ji Maharaj inaugurated Phule-Shahu-Ambedkar Library in the premises of Gurudwara Shri Guru Ravi Dass ji Maharaj Khour.
Darshan Laoch, Finance director was chief guest on this occasion.
He threw light on the life and mission of Shri Guru Ravi Dass ji Maharaj and Bharat Ratan Baba sahib Dr B R Ambedkar.
While speaking on this occasion Sham Lal Basson, president All J&K Dalit Chetna Manch and General Secretary Shri Guru Ravi Dass Sabha Bahu Fort Jammu said that Sant Shiromani Shri Guru Ravi Dass ji Maharaj was not only Ruhani Rehbar but he was a great Samajik Yodha who fought for the eradication of social evils and stressed for unity among samaj.
Prof C L Shivgotra, Master Ashok Basson, Sanjay Kumar, Pandit Ashok Kumar and Girdhari Lal delivered speeches on this occasion.
Ravi Kumar, general secretary of Sabha, conducted the stage.
Vikram Singh president of Shri Guru Ravi Dass sabha khour extended vote of thanks.
Those who honoured on this occasion included Prof G L Thapa, Tarsem Laoch, Kuldeep Fouji, Sanjeev Kumar Basson, Master Ashok, Subash chander, Sanjay Kumar, Darshan Lal, Principal Kasturi Lal, Ramesh Kumar, Mohan Lal, Bansi Lal, Jagatter Lal and Sanjay Kumar.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATRA, Apr 20: The NSS Unit of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), in collaboration with the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), organized an awareness programme on gender sensitisation and sexual harassment on campus.
The programme aimed to spread awareness among students about gender equality, respectful behaviour, and the prevention of sexual harassment in educational institutions and society at large. It emphasized the importance of creating a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free environment.
The event was graced by Prof Jaya Bhasin from the School of Business Studies, Central University of Jammu. In her address, she highlighted the significance of gender sensitisation, legal awareness, and ethical conduct among youth. She also spoke about institutional mechanisms available to address complaints and ensure justice.
The programme was conducted under the guidance of ICC Chairperson Dr Kakali Majumdar, with support from ICC members Dr Archana Purwar and Dr Rajiv Kumar. Their presence and insights added depth to the discussion on safeguarding dignity and rights within academic spaces.
As part of the event, a debate competition was also organized on the topic “Are Gender Stereotypes Still Strong in Today’s Youth?”. Students actively participated and presented diverse viewpoints, making the session engaging and thought-provoking. The NSS Unit played a vital role in organizing the event and encouraging active student participation. Through interactive discussions and real-life examples, students gained a better understanding of gender-related issues and workplace ethics.
The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr Archana Purwar, ICC member.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 20: J&K Pensioners and Senior Citizens Welfare Society have submitted a memorandum to Chairman 8th Central Pay Commission demanding that the concerns of pensioners are addressed with utmost priority. The memorandum demanded a realistic and humane approach be adopted to ensure financial security to pensioners.
The memorandum submitted through chairman of Society Mir Ghulam Rasool and secretary, D N Sadhu demanded that the minimum pension be increased at least 26,000 per month, keeping in view the rising cost of living and basic survival needs. Besides, a fitment factor of not less than 3.68 or above may be recommended to ensure adequate and meaningful enhancement in pension.
The Dearness Allowance be merged with the basic pension wherever it crosses 50 percent with provision for timely future revisions to offset inflation. Moreover free and comprehensive medical treatment for pensioners and their spouses, expansion of healthcare schemes in rural areas such as Ganderbal and other undeserved regions, provision of cashless treatment in recognised Government and private hospitals, improvements in family pension by enhancing minimum family pension and special provisions for widows and dependent family members to ensure financial security.
The memorandum also demanded restoration of Old Pension Scheme, enhancement of gratuity limit, Special Allowance for J&K Region, besides enhancement of Hill and Hardship Allowance and adequate Transport Allowance, timely pension revision, health care insurance scheme, Tax relief for senior citizens, special facilities to senior citizens, establishment of old age homes at every tehsil Headquarter with facilities to include food ,shelter, healthcare and recreation, construction of town halls and community centres at tehsil and district level ad enhancement of Medical Allowance from Rs 300 to Rs 1500 per month.

Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Apr 20: A 40-year-old man was killed today in a tragic hit-and-run incident at Zero Morh.
The deceased has been identified as Jamit Singh (40), son of Nasib Singh and a resident of Khwass in Rajouri district. According to reports, an unidentified vehicle struck him at Zero Morh, resulting in his death on the spot.
Following the incident, the body was shifted to District Hospital Reasi for necessary medico-legal formalities.
Police have taken cognizance of the incident and initiated an investigation to identify and trace the vehicle involved.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 20: Police today attached a movable property worth Rs 10 lakh belonging to an alleged drug peddler, Shahbaz Gulzar Khan of Devipora, Anantnag, under Section 68-F of the NDPS Act.
The action pertains to a Baleno Sigma taxi (JK03P-7083), which, during investigation, was found to have been purchased using proceeds from illicit narcotics trade. The attachment was made in connection with FIR Number 22/2026 registered at Police Station Chenani under relevant sections of the NDPS Act.
Police said the vehicle has been seized and formally attached as part of legal proceedings aimed at curbing drug trafficking. Further investigation in the case is ongoing.