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

KUPWARA: The Regional-cum-Facilitation Centre, Northern Region-II (RCFC NR-II), National Medicinal Plants Board (NMPB), Ministry of AYUSH, Government of India, SKUAST-Kashmir, organised a series of pre-programme activities at Government Degree College (GDC), Handwara, ahead of the 11th Ayurveda Day celebrations scheduled for September 22 and 23 under the theme “Ayurveda for Healthier Tomorrow.”

The programme focused on promoting awareness about medicinal plants, their conservation, scientific cultivation, sustainable harvesting and utilisation. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Ajaz Ahmad Kanth, Principal, GDC Handwara, appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of medicinal plants in Ayurveda and holistic healthcare. Prof. Nisar Ahmad Lone, Head, Department of Botany, emphasised the link between medicinal plant conservation, biodiversity and environmental sustainability.

An awareness session on “Sustainable Cultivation and Harvesting of Medicinal Plants” was conducted by Dr. Sofi Imtiyaz Ali, Project Manager, RCFC NR-II, who sensitised participants about scientific cultivation, sustainable harvesting and Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP). He also encouraged students to explore opportunities in value addition, entrepreneurship and sustainable livelihoods through medicinal plants.

A Green Ayurveda Plantation Drive and Herbal Garden Open Day were also organised, with active participation of students, faculty members and the RCFC NR-II technical team. The activities provided participants firsthand exposure to medicinal plants and their role in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇