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

JAMMU: A training workshop on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) was organised today in the Conference Hall of the Directorate of Horticulture, Jammu, to build awareness on procurement through the GeM portal. The workshop was chaired by Director Horticulture, Jammu, Gul Syed, accompanied by Joint Director Horticulture Salil Gupta.

The resource persons were Deputy Director, GeM Jammu and Kashmir, Amir Ali, and Senior Consultant, GeM, Sarthak Khoda. They gave presentations on the features, procedures, latest guidelines and best practices for procurement through the GeM portal.

A question-and-answer session followed, during which officers of the Horticulture Department raised queries on procurement, vendor registration, bidding procedures and contract management. The resource persons addressed the queries and provided guidance on efficient procurement through the GeM platform.

Director Horticulture Gul Syed called for adopting digital procurement practices in line with Government guidelines. He urged officers and DDOs to make effective use of the GeM portal to ensure transparency and accountability in departmental procurement.

Among those present were Deputy Director Horticulture (Central) Mukesh Sharma; Chief Horticulture Officers RK Kotwal (Jammu), Anil Gorkha (Samba), Ashwani Sharma (Kathua), Rajinder Kumar (Reasi) and Sajid Mustafa (Kishtwar); Assistant Director Sunil Gupta; Accounts Officer Rajesh Kumar; District Level Subject Matter Specialists (DLSMS) and MCC members including Amit Sharaf (Rajouri) and Anju Bala (Kathua); all Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs); Horticulture Information & Publicity Officer Randhir Singh Parihar; Horticulture Development Officer (Information) Dr Vijay Kumar; officers of the Technical Section; and other officers and officials of the Horticulture Department.

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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