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

JAMMU: The CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu today paid rich floral tributes to Col. Sir R. N. Chopra, the Founder Director of the Institute, on his 144th birth anniversary, remembering his pioneering contributions to pharmacology, medicinal plants and Indian systems of medicine.

Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu and Director, CSIR-NBRI, Lucknow, along with scientists, technical and administrative staff, research scholars and other employees, offered floral tributes at the statue of Col. Sir R. N. Chopra on the institute premises. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed recalled the remarkable contributions of Col. Chopra, who is widely regarded as the Father of Indian Pharmacology.

He said Col. Chopra played a pioneering role in establishing a scientific approach towards the study of medicinal plants and traditional systems of medicine. Dr. Ahmed highlighted Col. Chopra's contribution towards the preparation of Ayurvedic and Unani pharmacopeias, helping bring India's traditional knowledge systems within the ambit of scientific research and creating a pathway for their wider global recognition.

He also recalled Col. Chopra's pioneering work on medicinal plants, and his role in introducing the commercial cultivation of mint in India in 1968. He said his efforts contributed to the development of India's mint industry, with the country today emerging as a global leader in mint oil production and related products.

ā€œCol. Chopra carried forward his scientific work at a time when research facilities were very limited, yet he made remarkable contributions in the fields of pharmacology and medicinal plants. His passion for science and commitment to serving humanity continue to inspire us,ā€ Dr. Ahmed said. He said the best tribute to Col. Chopra would be to continue pursuing scientific research with sincerity and dedication and work towards taking India's indigenous knowledge systems to the global stage.

Dr. Ahmed further noted that CSIR-IIIM's ongoing work in medicinal cannabis research, lavender-based products, natural products and collaborations with national institutions and industry reflects the scientific vision and values championed by Col. Chopra. The CSIR-IIIM fraternity reaffirmed its commitment to carrying forward the legacy of its Founder Director through innovative research in medicinal plants, natural products and traditional knowledge using modern science and technology.

Prominent among those present were Heads of various research divisions and senior faculty and staff, including Dr. Dhiraj Vyas, Dr. Sumit G. Gandhi, Dr. Qazi Naveed Ahmed, Dr. Rajkishor Rai, Sh. Kaushal Kumar, Dr. Saurabh Saran, Dr. Shashank Kumar Singh and Dr. Amit Nargotra, among others.

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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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