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

GANDERBAL: Dean Students’ Welfare (DSW), Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), celebrated World Students’ Day 2026 to commemorate the birth anniversary of former President of India and eminent scientist, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, with three student-centred programmes aimed at nurturing creativity, intellectual engagement, critical thinking, communication skills and leadership among students at Tulmulla here on Thursday.

The celebration paid tribute to Dr. Kalam’s enduring legacy as a visionary scientist, inspirational teacher, former President of India and one of the country’s most admired advocates of youth empowerment.

These programmes witnessed enthusiastic participation from students representing different campuses. The essay writing competition brought together 35 students. The jury comprised Dr. Firdous Ahmad and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, who assessed the participants’ work. The elocution competition witnessed the participation of 31 students. The jury comprised Dr. Mir Insha Farooq, Sr. Assistant Prof. Deptt of Management Studies, and Dr. C. S. Guru Raja, Deptt of Education. The debate competition attracted 24 participants. The jury comprised Dr. Rehana Shawl, Sr Assistant Prof. Deptt of Law, and Dr. Ashiq Hussain, Deptt of Kashmiri.

The valediction was presided over by Mr. Abdul Rashid, DR Administration, who emphasised that a person's lasting legacy is ultimately determined by their contribution to the nation, society and community. He urged students to remain focused on their goals, work with dedication and strive to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Dr. Jehirul Islam, Dean Students’ Welfare, highlighted the enduring contributions of Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam to the nation, and observed that Dr. Kalam's legacy is particularly relevant to students because of his unwavering faith in the potential of young people and his emphasis on education, scientific temper, innovation and national development. He expressed gratitude to the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath, for his continued encouragement and support for student-centred initiatives and acknowledged the supportive role of Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean Academic Affairs, and Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, Registrar, in facilitating the University’s academic and co-curricular endeavours.

Dr. Firdous Ahmad Sofal, Programme Coordinator, conducted the valedictory proceedings. Referring to Dr. Kalam’s enduring message of dreaming big and translating dreams into action, Dr. Sofal observed that the former President’s life offers an important lesson to students: aspirations must be accompanied by knowledge, discipline, perseverance and a willingness to contribute to society. The event concluded with prize distribution among the winners of all three competitions.

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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