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

JAMMU: Students of MSc Botany from the University of Jammu, undertook a Botanical cum Educational tour to world famous and India’s high ranking JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty (Tamil Nadu)-a prime institution of JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, as part of their academic enrichment programme. The visit was aimed at providing students with practical exposure to pharmacognosy education, research infrastructure, and plant drug manufacturing processes, thereby strengthening interdisciplinary learning between botany and pharmaceutical sciences.

The visiting team was warmly received by Dr. B. Duraiswamy, who facilitated a detailed academic interaction and guided the students through the advanced practical laboratory facilities of the college. The students were introduced to modern analytical instruments, quality control laboratories, and research setups, enabling them to understand contemporary techniques used in pharmaceutical research and development. Particular emphasis was laid on the utilization of plant-based resources in pharmacognosy, phyto-chemistry, pharmacology and herbal drug formulation.

During the visit, the students also toured the drug manufacturing units of the institution, where they were acquainted with various stages of pharmaceutical production, including formulation, processing, packaging, and quality assurance. The exposure helped students understand Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and regulatory standards essential for maintaining quality and safety in drug manufacturing.

As part of the botanical component of the tour, the students also visited the world-famous Government Botanical Garden, located on the slopes of the Doddabetta Peak at Ooty. The visit provided an opportunity to observe a rich diversity of endemic and temperate plant species maintained and growing under diverse ecological conditions. The students studied plant taxonomy, landscape design, and conservation strategies adopted for preserving rare and threatened species. In addition, the group visited the Rose Garden, where they observed a wide array of rose varieties and learned about ornamental plant breeding, cultivation practices, and aesthetic landscaping.

The tour was accompanied by Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Life Sciences and Dr. Harish Chander Dutt. Prof. Sharma highlighted the academic significance of such educational tours in bridging theoretical knowledge with practical applications, while Dr. Dutt emphasized the growing relevance of botanical sciences in drug discovery, natural product research, and sustainable bio-resource utilization. 

The Department of Botany, University of Jammu, gratefully acknowledged the encouragement and continuous support provided by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Umesh Rai, whose vision for experiential and field-based learning has made such academic initiatives possible. The students expressed their appreciation to the authorities of JSS College of Pharmacy, Ooty, for their warm hospitality and for providing a highly informative and inspiring academic experience.

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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