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

SRINAGAR: Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan the versatile Actor, Theatre Practictioner, TV Producer and Filmmaker has been granted J&K Govt. Award (2025) in recognition of his outstanding contributions in the field of performing Arts, especially ‘Theatre’.

Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan was born in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir and completed his post-graduation from Kashmir University in 1982. The maverick artist started his acting career way back in 1974 as a child artist in TV, before he began to started seriously & professionaly acting and directly stage plays.

Mushtaaque has dedicated his life to the preservation and promotion of Performing Arts in general and Theatre in particular. Over the past more than four decades, he has consistently spearheaded initiatives engaging the younger genertation in nation building activities while ensuring the protection of indegenious nuances.

His consistent effort of more than four decades towards performining arts has been acknowledged by the Govt, Non Govt organisations and the public and privat sectors. Earlier he has recieved more than 20 prominent awards and felicitations.

He has also been honored with 'Lifetime Achievement Award' presented by Hon'ble Lt. Governor of J&K, Sh. Manoj Sinha, at Srinagar on 25th October 2022. His immense contribution in the field of theatre and filmmaking has earned him numerous accolades from prestigious institutions. He has created a legacy by working extensively for Theatre, Radio, TV & Films. He is also the first filmmaker from the valley to produce and direct documentaries for UGC's countrywide classroom through AVRC of Kashmir University.

He is also the chairman of 'ACT – For A Better Tomorrow’ (previously called Actors’ Creative Theatre'), an organization active in the field of art, culture, film and literature since 1976. Over the last three and a half decades, he has produced and directed more than 400 episodes of more than 40 TV serials, more than 10 telefilms, more than 50 documentary films and few short films and music albums. Mushtaaque has worked for DD Kashir, DD Urdu, J&K Tourism, Excise Department, Kashmir University and various other entities to emerge as a renowned personality not just in Kashmir but India at large.

Mushtaaque has the honour of being the founder and director of 'Kashmir World Film Festival' (KWFF) and has successfully organised its 4 editions. Mushtaaque has been conducting film festivals, theatre festivals, seminars, interactions and various other functions, involving thousands of art loving people. He also had the privilege of being a part of the international Jury of Nepal Cultural Film Festival (NCIFF), 2024 at Kathmandu, Nepal.

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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