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

KISHTWAR: The month-long Healthy Baby Competition, launched on January 1, 2025, concluded today with a vibrant District-Level Healthy Baby Competition held here in the Conference Hall of the DC Office. Babies selected from all ICDS Projects of the district participated in the grand finale of this health-focused initiative in today's District Level event. The initiative was taken by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan to promote the health and well-being of mothers and children aged 6 months to 6 years.

The Competition progressed in three phases, starting from Panchayat level, followed by Project level and culminated at the District level. The participants were evaluated on the multi criterions including general appearance including the child’s hygiene, hair, eyes, nose, mouth, teeth, ear, nails besides weight, height, Gross Motor Skills, Immunization Status and HB Level as per the given standards and SOPs. 

Judges evaluated the participants, selecting winners in various categories, who were presented certificates and Gift Packs. The DC also announced that these winners will be felicitated during the Republic Day 2025 celebrations. The collaborative efforts of the ICDS Department, Health Department, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Medical officers, and parents played a pivotal role in the success of this initiative, ensuring enthusiastic participation across the district. 

The Healthy Baby Competition was designed to spread awareness about the importance of early childhood health, proper nutrition, and parental care. It encouraged mothers to adopt best practices for improving their children’s well being, overall development and nutritional needs, fostering a healthier future generation. 

Speaking at the event, the DC appreciated the collaborative efforts of the departments involved and commended mothers for their awareness of childcare and nutritional needs. He said that for having good health, the  district organised awareness under the Food Safety & Standard Act. The farmers are being encouraged to have organic farming and getting knowledge to eat right.

The DC said that there is a dire need to educate the young generation to discard junk food and make mothers aware about the value of breastfeeding. The event also witnessed the participation of PO, ICDS Kishtwar Dr Rishi Kumar, DSWO Kishtwar Zubair Ahmed Lone, AD FCS&CA Shafkat Hussain Keen, CDPO Nagseni/Paddar Najeeb Latief-JKAS, CDPO Inderwal/Marwah/ Warwan Dr Kuldeep Kumar, CMO Kishtwar Dr Rajinder Kumar , Supervisors besides AWWs and Mother Parents.

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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