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

JAMMU : In a significant step towards enhancing access to quality higher education, Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Higher Education, Shantmanu, today inaugurated IGNOU Learner Support Centre (LSC-12133) at Government Gandhi Memorial (GGM) Science College, here.

The inauguration ceremony was graced by Professor Romesh Gupta, Principal GGM Science College; Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Regional Director, IGNOU Regional Centre Jammu; Assistant Regional Directors, Dr. Asha Upadhyay, Dr. Vikram Singh and Dr. Zeba, Deputy Registrar, S. Tejinder Pal Singh, Assistant Registrar, Dara Singh and Dr. P. S. Thakur, Coordinator of newly established Learner Support Centre.

Earlier, with the approval of Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Professor Uma Kanjilal, based on the recommendations of Sub-Committee of Student Support Centre (SSC) in its 9th Meeting held on May 7, 2025, the Learner Support Centre (LSC) in the GGM Science College, Jammu was notified for BSCM (Bachelor of Science) and MSCZOO (Master of Science in Zoology) programmes. This is the first ever Learner Support Centre of IGNOU in the entire Jammu division to have been notified exclusively for Science based programmes.

While speaking at the event, Shantmanu underscored the importance of accessible and flexible education in today’s rapidly evolving academic landscape. He added that the Department of Higher Education is making continuous efforts to strengthen the teaching-learning ecosystem across all institutions in the UT. Establishing this support centre is yet another step in our learner-centric approach to empower the students from all walks of life. He assured all cooperation and support from the Higher Education Department to IGNOU by way of expansion of Learner Support Network in the region.

Professor Romesh Gupta, Principal of GGM Science College, lauded the initiative and stated, that, this IGNOU centre will open new avenues of learning for both our students and the wider community. It will significantly enhance the academic engagement by offering services such as counselling, tutorials and examination support.

Dr. Sandeep Gupta, Regional Director, IGNOU RC Jammu, elaborated on the broader impact of IGNOU in strengthening higher education in the region. This collaboration with GGM Science College reinforces our mission to bring quality distance education closer to learners, making it more accessible and inclusive, he further remarked.

The newly established Learner Support Centre aims to serve as a vital academic and administrative hub for IGNOU learners across the Jammu region, furthering the goals of inclusive and lifelong education.

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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