Pradnya Pradeep JogdandKATRA: Pradnya Pradeep Jogdand, a final-year B.Arch. student at the School of Architecture & Landscape Design (SoALD), Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), has earned admission offers from five prestigious universities in the United States of America for postgraduate studies in architecture.

The institutions include University of Texas, Austin for M.Arch (Advanced Architectural Design); University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) for MS in Architecture and Urban Design; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor – Master of Urban Design (MUD);Columbia University, New York for MS in Urban Planning and University of Southern California (USC), Los Angeles for M.Arch. in First-Professional Degree program.Pradnya cited UT Austin’s focus on innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and original research as the main reasons behind her decision.

“I was particularly drawn to the university’s strong culture of original research, creative inquiry, and intellectual leadership,” she said. “I believe this environment will empower me to address both contemporary and future challenges in architecture and urban design.”Established in 1910, the University of Texas at Austin is globally recognized for its research-oriented academic programs and excellence in architectural education.Pradnya expressed heartfelt gratitude to her mentor, Ar. Vinod Kumar, Assistant Professor at SoALD, for his constant support and guidance throughout her academic journey.

In an email to him, she wrote, “Your guidance played a crucial role in shaping my interests and preparing me for this next chapter, and I deeply value everything I’ve learned under your mentorship.”During her B.Arch. studies, Pradnya completed a dissertation titled Morphogenic Membranes in Parametric Architecture under the guidance of Ar. Vinod Kumar and also she presented a research paper titled Revisiting Sacred Geometry: The Dialogue between Parametric and Religious Architecture at an international conference on religious architecture hosted by NIT Patna. The same paper was later co-authored with him and published in a peer-reviewed journal, showcasing her dedication to academic research even at the undergraduate level.

Her academic achievements, innovative research ability, and passion for architecture played a key role in securing offers from globally acclaimed universities.Pradnya extended her appreciation to the entire SoALD faculty for their guidance and encouragement from her first to final year at SMVDU.Vice-Chancellor of SMVDU, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Head of SoALD Ar. Abhiney Gupta, and other faculty members congratulated Pradnya on her outstanding accomplishments and wished her continued success in her academic and professional journey.

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