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

JAMMU: The Sahitya Akademi, in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), today organized a day-long symposium on the celebrated Punjabi poet Shiv Kumar Batalvi, bringing together scholars, writers and literature enthusiasts to reflect on his life, poetry and enduring literary legacy.

Welcoming the dignitaries and participants, Secretary JKAACL, Harvinder Kour expressed her gratitude to the Sahitya Akademi for organizing such a meaningful literary programme in Jammu & Kashmir. She reaffirmed the Academy’s commitment to promoting literature and languages across the Union Territory and stated that similar programmes would be organized in other regions to further strengthen cultural and literary engagement.

Speaking on the life and works of Shiv Kumar Batalvi, the Secretary highlighted that despite his short lifespan, the poet made an immense contribution to Punjabi literature. She observed that Batalvi’s poetry resonates deeply with the emotions of the common man, enabling readers to connect with his expressions of love, pain, longing and human experience. She further informed that JKAACL plans to extend such literary activities to colleges and other educational institutions across the UT. Programmes in various languages, she said, would help cultivate interest in languages among the public in general and students in particular, thereby contributing to their promotion and preservation.

Editor (Punjabi), Sahitya Akademi, Ms. Sandeep Kour also addressed the gathering and emphasized the need for concerted efforts to promote the Punjabi language on par with other languages in the Union Territory. She called for a structured and sustained plan to organize more literary programmes dedicated to Punjabi literature and its rich heritage.

Eminent scholars Prof. Rawail Singh, Khalid Hussain, and Ashok Angurana presented insightful papers highlighting the life, literary works and lasting contributions of Shiv Kumar Batalvi to Punjabi literature. Their presentations provided critical perspectives on Batalvi’s poetic themes, stylistic innovations and cultural significance.

In the second session, Harvinder Bhandal presided over the proceedings, while Satish Gulati, Makhan Mann, Surjit Judge, Javed Rahi, Swami Antar Neerav, Amanpreet Kaur and Gurdeep Kaur participated as speakers. Adding further literary significance to the event, a book titled ā€œDream Landā€, authored by Pawan Gulati, was also released on the occasion.

Presenting the vote of thanks, Editor (Punjabi), JKAACL, Mr. Popinder Singh Paras, informed that the Punjabi Section of JKAACL has organized as many as 52 programmes at different locations across the Union Territory, reflecting the Academy’s sustained commitment to the promotion of Punjabi language and literature. The symposium concluded with a renewed resolve to preserve, promote and celebrate the rich literary traditions of Punjabi and other languages in Jammu & Kashmir.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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