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

JAMMU:  The 2nd half-yearly meeting of the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC), Jammu for the financial year 2025 was held today at CSIR–Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu. Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM and Chairman, TOLIC Jammu, chaired the meeting. The meeting aimed to review the Hindi-related work carried out by member institutions during the last two quarters and to compile essential information for uploading on the official TOLIC portal of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The meeting witnessed participation from officers and staff of 102 TOLIC member offices from the region. Rakesh Kumar, Regional Passport Officer, Devpraskah Naryan, Regional Director National Institute of Open Schooling, Jammu; Sanjay Sharma, Member Secretary, TOLIC Jammu and Rajesh Gupta, Administrative Officer, CSIR-IIIM, were on the presidium whileas Kumar Pal Sharma, Joint Director, Department of Official Languages, MHA joined the meeting virtually

In his address, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Chairman, TOLIC Jammu, appreciated the collaborative efforts of all member organizations. Referring to his observations of the past two years, he noted that institutions have been working diligently and in a coordinated manner. He highlighted encouraged all offices to participate fully to ensure smooth functioning of committee activities, including the publication of Gyan Varta. He also suggested that meetings and events need not be confined to a single venue and could be hosted by different institutions on rotation.

While appreciating the exemplary participation of paramilitary forces, schools, and educational institutions in promoting Hindi, he emphasized for the timely implementation of instructions received from higher authorities and assured that necessary follow-up communication would be shared within the next 15 days. He also shared the digitally enabled system used at CSIR-IIIM Jammu for various recruitment processes as a model that could be adapted for TOLIC activities.

Underscoring the national duty associated with the use of Hindi in official work, Dr. Ahmed said that promoting the language is not only an administrative responsibility but also a social and national commitment. He thanked members for attending the meeting and reaffirmed the institution’s support in resolving any issues through WhatsApp groups or email communication.

Earlier Sanjay Sharma, Member Secretary, TOLIC Jammu, opened the session with a review of activities undertaken by various offices in the Jammu region. He informed that three new members have been added, taking the total membership to 102. He further explained that a new integrated digital system has been introduced to bring transparency, accuracy, and uniformity to reporting across institutions.

According to him, the process of uploading documents, final submissions, and data validation has been streamlined.  He added that this simplified mechanism will strengthen annual evaluation, maintain accurate records, and enhance facilitation across all sectors—whether related to applications, field activities, workshops, or administrative requirements.

The transparent digital model, he emphasized, will reinforce institutional accountability and uphold the broader national responsibility of maintaining clarity, discipline, and integrity in official communications under TOLIC Jammu. During the discussions, Kumar Pal Sharma, joint director, assured that bifurcation of data and responsibilities would be carried out as per the guidelines of the Ministry, following concerns raised by some members.

An interactive session was also held, during which participants shared suggestions and feedback. Acting upon the Chairman’s suggestion, a committee was formed—with the consensus of all members present—to design a dedicated logo for TOLIC. The meeting proceedings were conducted by Rajni Kumari and the vote of thanks was presented by Rajesh Gupta, AO.

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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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