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

JAMMU: Dr. Skarma Nonzom, Assistant Professor, Department of Botany, University of Jammu was honoured with the prestigious “Young Scientist Award” by the Society of Plant Research – Vegetos: An International Journal of Plant Research and a felicitation prize of 300 euros by the “Springer Nature” in the National Conference on “Good Agricultural Practices of selected Medicinal Plants” & SPR-Mini Symposium on “Biotechnological & Genomic tools to combat climate change” held at the Department of Botany, Aligarh Muslim University, Aligarh, India.  

Dr. Skarma was selected for this award from a competitive pool of 139 candidates. During the conference, Dr. Skarma also delivered an invited lecture on “Beyond Boundaries: The Mycoflora of Cold Environments” in the SPR-Mini Symposium on “Biotechnological & Genomic tools to combat climate change”.   This award was conferred upon Dr. Skarma in recognition of her significant contributions in the field of mycology particularly, fungal endophytes, medical mycology and extremophilic fungi in the regions of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh. 

 Dr. Nonzom and her research team have seamlessly integrated traditional methodologies with modern advancements in mycology, leading to the discovery of three novel fungal species. Additionally, they have reported seven fungal species as new records for the Indian subcontinent, significantly enriching the nation's mycoflora. Notably, their research has unveiled, seven fungal species as new global reports and two as new Indian records as etiological agents of superficial mycosis.

Dr. Skarma and her team have also worked in the applied fields of mycology to explore the extremozymes of psychrotropic microfungi, antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant potential of fungal endophytes along with in-vitro testing of various common drugs in combating causal agents of superficial mycoses. 

 Their research has been published in numerous prestigious journals, such as, Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology, Mycoses, Symbiosis, Microbial Pathogenesis, Folia Microbiologica, Current Microbiology, Phytotaxa, Studies in Fungi, Current Science, Czech Mycology, etc.

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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