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

SRINAGAR: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, on Saturday along with SSP Traffic Police, Aijaz Ahmad Bhat visited the Shankaracharya Temple to review and finalize arrangements for the upcoming festival of Mahashivratri, scheduled to be celebrated on February 14th & 15th, 2026. The festival holds immense religious and cultural significance and is observed with great devotion, particularly by the Kashmiri Pandit community.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz; Joint Commissioner SMC, Nuzhat Khurshid; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar;  Chief Medical Officer, Dr Tahir Sajad; Executive Engineers of  PHE R&B, KPDCL, Tehsildar South, Tehsildar Khanyar, Chief Sanitation Officer and other concerned, besides, Additional Secretary Dharmarth Trust, Avisash Fotedar and Vidhu Sharma accompanied the DC during the visit.

While reviewing the arrangements on the spot, the DC directed the concerned departments to ensure that all basic facilities are put in place well in advance for the devotees expected to visit the historic Shankaracharya Temple . He asked the officers of the line departments to ensure all necessary arrangements for a smooth, safe, and enriching pilgrimage experience for the devotees on this auspicious occasion.

The DC instructed for ensuring hassle-free traffic movement for the devotees, besides adequate facilities at the designated place for parking of the vehicles. He also stressed for adequate shuttle bus services to ferry devotees from different parts of the city to the Shankaracharya Temple on Mahashivratri .

Stressing the importance of cleanliness, the DC directed the SMC authorities to ensure proper sanitation and hygiene at the Shankaracharya Temple premises and along the entire pilgrimage route. He also instructed for adequate arrangements for urinals and sanitation facilities. Additionally, he asked for ensuring all streetlights from Nehru Park to the Temple are made functional.

The DC further directed for ensuring uninterrupted supply of electricity and adequate drinking water facility at the venue so that Yatris do not face any inconvenience during their visit

The DC directed for ensuring uninterrupted power supply and adequate drinking water facilities at the venue so that devotees do not face any inconvenience during their visit to pay obeisance at the Temple. The DC also directed the Health Department to deploy a Medical team at the venue with the availability of all emergency medicines and first aid facilities.

The DC directed the officers of the line departments to ensure all necessary arrangements required for smooth stay and enriching pilgrimage for all devotees on this religious occasion.

On the occasion, the DC interacted with members of the Dharmarth Trust and organising committee of Bhandara, assuring them of full support from the District Administration for smooth celebrations of Mahashivratri at Shankracharya, Srinagar.

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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