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

KATHUA: As part of the observance of National Road Safety Month, Government Degree College Kathua, in collaboration with the Motor Vehicles Department (MVD), Traffic Police Rural Jammu, and the District Administration, Kathua, today organized a Symposium on Road Safety in the college auditorium. The event was graced by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas, as the Chief Guest, and SSP Traffic, Rural Jammu, Girdhari Lal Sharma, as the Guest of Honour.

The symposium commenced with the lighting of the traditional lamp and a rendition of Saraswati Vandana. The Chief Guest and other dignitaries were warmly welcomed by Dr. Sanjay Karlupia, HoD Geology, who applauded the district administration’s efforts to enhance road safety and described the Deputy Commissioner as a role model for the younger generation.

In his address, the DC Kathua highlighted the importance of educating society on safety measures at grassroots levels to reduce road accidents. He urged students to adhere to traffic rules and become ambassadors for road safety in their communities. The Deputy Commissioner also congratulated the college authorities, MVD, and Traffic Police for organizing this impactful awareness initiative. A pledge on road safety was administered during the event.

SSP Traffic Rural Jammu informed that Kathua district have reported 91 deaths due to road accidents in the year 2024 and use of Mobile during Driving is major contributory in leading to these accidents. He appealed to participants to take all Traffic rules seriously and adhere to it for their individual safety as well as the safety of the pedestrians.

The symposium featured a competition in which 12 students from various degree colleges in Kathua district participated. The jury, comprising the ADC, Kathua, DSP Traffic, Associate Professor from the Department of Botany, and Prof. Ambika Rajput, adjudged the following winners: The First Prize was bagged by Vishal Gupta, Second Prize by Rahul Sharma and Third Prize was clinched by Sumit Kumar all students of GDC Kathua.

The event saw active participation from members of the Literary/Debate/Symposium Committee, NSS volunteers, and NCC cadets. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Yash Paul Sharma, Staff Secretary, and was expertly anchored by Kanika Sharma and Nikita Sharma.

Prominent faculty members, including Prof. Shalini Sharma, Prof. Neelam Baru, Prof. Ravinder Kour, Prof. Rupinder Kour, Prof. Shivani Kotwal, Dr. Kulbir Singh, Dr. Pinkey, Prof. Arvind, Dr. Daya Ram, Dr. Partima Sangra, and several non-teaching staff, attended the event. 

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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