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

AWANTIPORA: A high-level delegation from the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) visited the CIED–IUST Foundation IUST Innovation Campus, today to explore areas of collaboration for strengthening rural innovation, entrepreneurship, and livelihood-based enterprises in Jammu & Kashmir.

The delegation was led by Shri Vikas Mittal, General Manager, NABARD J&K, accompanied by Shri Manohar Lal, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Jammu, Shri Surinder Singh, Deputy General Manager, NABARD Srinagar, and around twenty team members from NABARD. The programme was presided over by Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs, IUST and was attended by coordinators from different verticals of the CIED–IUST Foundation, faculty members, and supported entrepreneurs.

The visit began with a tour of various incubation and innovation facilities at the CIED–IUST Foundation, followed by a formal interaction with the coordinators of CIED verticals, startup founders, entrepreneurs from the Bat Cluster Association, and beekeepers & apiarists from the region.

During the interaction, Shri Vikas Mittal, GM/OIC NABARD J&K, appreciated the impactful initiatives of IUST in supporting young innovators and creating opportunities for rural communities. He said that NABARD looks forward to meaningful collaboration with CIED–IUST Foundation to empower rural entrepreneurs and strengthen value chains in J&K.

Prof. A. H. Moon, Dean Academic Affairs in his presidential remarks, emphasized the importance of innovation and community engagement and said that CIED is a model initiative that bridges academia, society, and industry. Earlier, Prof. Parvez A. Mir, CEO CIED–IUST Foundation, delivered a comprehensive presentation highlighting the achievements of the incubation centre and the impact of government-supported programmes on entrepreneurship development.

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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