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

SRINAGAR: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) on Wednesday reviewed the progress of its first batch of students undergoing a one-month internship at IIT Bombay under the Center of Excellence for Rural Data Research & Analysis (RuDRA), an initiative supported through HADP-19 and HADP-20.

The program is designed to equip students with advanced technological skills, research exposure, and interdisciplinary learning at one of India's premier institutions, enabling them to develop innovative, data-driven solutions for agriculture and rural development in Jammu & Kashmir.

The review was chaired by Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai in the presence of Prof. Masood Saleem Mir, Principal Investigator, HADP-20; Prof. Shabir Ahmad Bangroo, Principal Investigator, HADP-19; Prof. Irfan Ahmad Bisati, Co-Principal Investigator, HADP-20; and IIT Bombay faculty members Dr. Pennan Chinnasamy; Dr. Mohammad Kasim; and Dr. Somdeep Kundu.

The internship is a key outcome of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between SKUAST-K and IIT Bombay to strengthen collaboration in sustainable agriculture, environmental management, and rural development.

As part of the partnership, SKUAST-K has established the Center of Excellence for Rural Data Research & Analysis (RuDRA), in collaboration with IIT Bombay's RuDRA Lab, to advance decision-support systems for rural development and to promote joint research, curriculum development, knowledge transfer, faculty and student exchange, and internship programs.

The inaugural cohort comprises 14 students from different faculties and academic programs, making it the university's first interdisciplinary batch under the initiative. During the review, the students presented the progress of their projects at IIT Bombay, highlighting work on geospatial technologies, data analytics, digital agriculture and AI-enabled decision-support systems for agriculture and rural planning.

Addressing the interns, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai urged them to maximize the opportunity by acquiring cutting-edge technological expertise that can be adapted to address the evolving needs of farmers and rural communities in Jammu & Kashmir.

The internship program is expected to build a pool of skilled professionals capable of translating advanced technologies into practical solutions for sustainable agriculture, rural livelihoods, and evidence-based rural governance 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). “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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