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

JAMMU: CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, (CSIR-IIIM) today hosted an expert lecture on ‘Ethics of Science’ by Padma Bhushan Prof. P. Balaram, Former Director of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore and the country’s renowned Biochemist. The talk was a part of  CSIR Standing Publications, Ethics and Scientific Vigilance Committee (SEC), lecture series was in  hybrid mode and was attended by S&T staff, students from the institute and across the R&D and academic institutions across India .

Delivering his lecture, Prof. Balaram very lucidly blended humour, history and hard questions while unpacking the evolving meanings of “ethics in science”.  Prof. Balaram, in his talk, narrated different ethical dilemmas faced in the field of scientific research. From questionable publication practices to disputes over data, from translational research to the obsession with rankings and impact factors, he said contemporary science faces numerous ethical challenges.

He said the global shift from curiosity-driven “night science” to metrics-driven “day science” has also played a role in the erosion of scientific integrity. He spoke about recent controversies involving research agencies, emphasising that many problems emerge not only from ethical lapses but also from poor methodology and institutional pressures. Ethics, he argued, should not be viewed as a scientists-only responsibility, but as a universal concern across professions.

Earlier, Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, in the welcome address said that the occasion is significant not only because it marked the first such programme in the Union Territory, but also because it featured one of India’s most respected scientific leaders as the speaker. Dr Ahmed highlighted major scientific developments across CSIR, including the AI drug discovery programme, the integration of artificial intelligence in crop improvement and discussions held recently during the CSIR–ISRO Joint Meeting on advancing non-engineering sciences to work at zero gravity. He thanked former IISc Director and eminent biochemist Prof. P. Balaram for accepting the invitation despite a challenging schedule.

Dr. Viswajanani J. Sattigeri, Head TKDL, and Chairperson Standing Publications, Ethics and Scientific Vigilance Committee (SEC), CSIR, introduced Prof. Balaram and recounted his five-decade-long contributions to chemistry, molecular biophysics and institution-building. She spoke about his tenure as Director of the Indian Institute of Science, his role in shaping India’s research culture, and the national and international honours he has received, including the Padma Bhushan and the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize. She thanked Dr Ahmed and IIIM Jammu for hosting the lecture.

The lecture was followed by an engaging interaction with participants. Proceedings were conducted by Dr Gurleen Kaur, while the vote of thanks was presented by principal Scientist  Dr Sumit Gandhi. The session was attended by CSIR scientists, scholars and members of CSIR-IIM Jammu.

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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