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

JAMMU: Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Raman Suri today said that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s decision to respect the law of the land and support the full rendition of Vande Mataram has rightly set the controversy at rest and sent a clear message down the line that the National Song deserves complete respect as per the law of land.

Raman Suri said that, contrary to the stand taken by some legislators in Karnataka, the Chief Minister’s decision to uphold the full version of Vande Mataram in Jammu Kashmir is a step that should encourage everyone in government institutions, private organisations and educational institutions to respect the National Song in its entirety and in accordance with the law.

He also appealed to people not to unnecessarily turn the issue into another political controversy. “When the Chief Minister and former Chief Minister Dr Farooq Abdullah showed utmost respect for the National Song at the International Film Festival Jammu Kashmir (IFFJK), it sent a positive message across society. Rather than politicising the matter, everyone should take inspiration from it and follow the law of the land,” Suri said.

Taking a dig at the Karnataka government’s reported decision to restrict the rendition to only two paragraphs, Suri said that any attempt to deliberately deny or dilute the full recitation of Vande Mataram, where the law requires otherwise, cannot be justified. Such conduct, he said, would amount to disrespecting the National Song and could invite both legal consequences and public ire.

“People may disagree on political, social or ideological issues, and democracy gives us every right to express those differences. But when it comes to respecting the National Flag, the National Anthem and the National Song, there should be no deviation. These national symbols must remain above politics,” Raman Suri said.

He further urged political parties, public representatives, schools, colleges and other institutions in Jammu Kashmir to treat Vande Mataram with the dignity it deserves. “The decision of public representatives holding highest offices in Jammu Kashmir should be seen as a positive message to everyone down the line to respect the National Song, respect the law and do not create unnecessary controversy around matters that unite the country,” he added.

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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