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

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu, under the aegis of Anandam – The Centre for Happiness, in collaboration with GIEO Gita Sansthanam, hosted a spiritually uplifting session titled "Mastering Life and Mind" by the revered Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj at its Jagti Campus. The event was graced by Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu. The spiritual discourse brought together students, faculty, staff, and dignitaries for an experience that transcended intellect and touched the soul.

The session was graced by the presence of eminent dignitaries including Shri Sham Lal Sharma, Hon’ble MLA, Jammu North and former Minister; Shri Yudhvir Sethi, Hon’ble MLA, Jammu East; Shri Mohanlal Bhagat, Hon’ble MLA, Akhnoor; Shri Shiv Kumar Sharma, DIG, Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range; along with Shri Ajay Ji, Shri Manveer Ji, and Shri Gagan Sharma. Present on the occasion were Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam; Brigadier Neeraj Soni, Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Dr. Mamta Tripathi, Co-Chairperson, Anandam; Dr. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultanc; Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Co-Chairperson, Placements, IIM Jammu; CA Rajat Jain, FA-CAO and Cmdr. Kesavan Baskkaran, CAO, IIM Jammu.

During his deeply enlightening discourse at IIM Jammu, Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj shared that the Bhagavad Gita is a universal guide—meant not just for saints, but for every seeker navigating the complexities of life. Reflecting on Arjuna’s inner conflict at Kurukshetra, he described the Gita as the voice of divine consciousness, guiding us toward dharma, inner peace, and self-realization. He drew a powerful parallel between Arjuna’s inner conflict and the dilemmas of modern life, awakening the audience to the living conscience of the Gita’s teachings as a guide for navigating today’s challenges with clarity and purpose. He urged the youth to rise above ego and material attachments, embrace karma yoga, and live a life rooted in righteousness.

True fulfilment, he said, lies not in pratishtha (recognition), but in prapti (spiritual attainment) and selfless service. “To master life, one must first master the mind,” he affirmed. Highlighting initiatives like “Ghar Ghar Gita” and Gita-based curricula with various state governments, Swamiji envisioned bringing the Gita’s light into every home—not as a religious teaching, but as a timeless path to clarity, character, and compassion. He concluded by invoking India’s eternal role as Vishwaguru, calling upon the youth to uphold the nation’s spiritual legacy and serve humanity with wisdom, devotion, and courage.

Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, shared that the visit of Mahamandleshwar Gita Manishi Swami Gyananand Ji Maharaj was a moment of profound spiritual enrichment for the entire IIM Jammu fraternity. He emphasized that the Institute remains deeply committed to its vision of holistic student development, where academic rigor is thoughtfully integrated with inner awakening, emotional well-being, and character building.He underscored that India’s rich civilizational and cultural heritage positions it to once again emerge as Vishwaguru—a spiritual guide for the world.

Aligning with the visionary aspiration of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for a Viksit Bharat, he reflected that true national progress must be rooted in individual transformation and values-driven education.Recollecting IIM Jammu’s spiritual journey, he highlighted that Anandam – The Centre for Happiness was inaugurated by the then Hon’ble Minister of Education, Shri Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’, in the gracious presence of Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, and Sri Sri Ravi Shankar, Founder of the Art of Living Foundation. This, he noted, is a testament to the Institute’s unwavering focus on nurturing value-based leadership, cultural consciousness, and holistic growth.

The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Shyam Narayan Lal, Chairperson, Anandam – The Centre for Happiness, IIM Jammu, who eloquently set the spiritual tone for the event. The vote of thanks was delivered by Shri Chetan Wanchoo and event culminated with a prayer.

The spiritual discourse served as a reminder that while management teaches us how to lead others, spirituality teaches us how to lead ourselves. IIM Jammu, through its Anandam initiatives, continues to foster such integrative learning experiences that nurture not just professional competence but also personal and spiritual well-being, aligning closely with the vision of holistic education under the National Education Policy 2020.

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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