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

GANDERBAL: As part of the ongoing project titled “Inclusion of Indigenous Survival Skills in Livelihood Security of Tribal Community in Kashmir, India”, funded by the Department of Science and Technology (DST-SEED), Government of India, the Institute of Business and Policy Research (IBPR), SKUAST-Kashmir conducted an awareness-cum-training program at Village Mamar, Ganderbal. 

The program, held in collaboration with the Animal Husbandry department, brought together key stakeholders including Dr. Omar Fayaz Khan (Principal Investigator of the Project); Dr. Ubair Nisar (Assistant Professor, IBPR); Dr. Mehreen (Veterinary Assistant Surgeon, Mamar), support staff of the veterinary unit, project staff, B.Sc. Economics and Data Science students, and members of the tribal and vulnerable communities.

The primary objective of the program was to identify, document, and integrate traditional knowledge and indigenous survival skills into sustainable livelihood models for tribal communities. 

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Omar Fayaz Khan (PI of Project) outlined the project goals, emphasizing the importance of community participation in the baseline survey. He encouraged tribal households to share their traditional practices, which would help design interventions for skill preservation, enterprise development, networking, and market linkages.

Dr. Ubair Nisar, an expert in agricultural economics, underscored the importance of linking indigenous knowledge systems with modern livelihood strategies. Dr. Mehreen, (VAS) who is closely connected with the local community, played a crucial role in building rapport and encouraging wholehearted participation in the baseline data collection.

The program concluded with the distribution of dairy input kits to the heads of tribal households, aimed at strengthening animal husbandry-based livelihoods. Following the event, the project team also visited the tribal settlement in the HawanpatiMamar-B belt. During their interactions, several tribal youths expressed a keen interest in photography-based livelihoods linked with eco-cultural tourism, particularly in capturing tourist activities and landscapes: a promising opportunity for community-driven sustainable development.

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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