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

JAMMU: The Jammu & Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL) in collaboration with the Dogri Sahitya Sabha, Kuppar Pragalta, organised the valedictory function of the month-long Dogra Folk Festival at Kuppar Pragalta, Jammu. Dedicated to the traditional Dogra folk festival 'Rutt-Raade', the festival concluded with cultural performances and public participation.

The programme is part of the Academy's efforts to support organisations reviving the cultural traditions of the Dogra community. The folk festival 'Rutt-Raade', once celebrated widely across the region, has gradually become rare. The Dogri Sahitya Sabha, under the leadership of its President Subash Sumbaria, has been working to revive this heritage, with the Academy extending support to the initiative every year.

MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi was the Chief Guest. The programme was attended by personalities from the fields of Dogri literature, art and culture, besides local residents, writers, poets, scholars and folk artists.

The event commenced with a Dogri Kavi Sammelan, presided over by Senior Assistant Professor, Department of Dogri, University of Jammu, Dr Padam Dev Singh. The poetry session featured recitations by poets including Randhir Singh Raipuria, Sansar Chand Kalotra, Rakesh Verma, Jagdish Singh, Amit Singh Salathia, Rampal Sharma, Gandharv Singh, Neha Sharma, Rajni Thapa, Abdul Qadir Kunduria and Rajendra Singh, among others. Editor (Dogri), JKAACL, Reeta Khadyal attended as Programme In-charge.

Following the literary session, folk music groups presented performances based on the Rutt-Raade festival. Women from the participating folk groups also demonstrated the traditional art of decorating the Raade with indigenous motifs and folk designs.

JKAACL also organised an exhibition-cum-sale of its publications, displaying books and literary works in regional languages, which drew interest from visitors, writers and literature enthusiasts.

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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