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

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management Jammu, under the leadership of Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, inaugurated the Twelfth batch of the Nurturing Future Leadership Program on 06th Oct 2025 at its permanent campus, Vedanta, MDP Centre,Jagti. Organized under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, Ministry of Education, Government of India, this initiative reflects IIM Jammu's commitment to academic excellence and leadership development. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, graced the inaugural ceremony. The inaugural ceremony commenced with the lamp lighting ceremony.

This unique residential training program, scheduled from 06th Oct 2025 to 10th Oct 2025, is designed to cultivate leadership capabilities among educators at various levels, creating a pool of potential leaders ready to drive generational transitions. Delivered by IIM Jammu’s faculty, the program aims to help institutions enhance their leadership potential. Present on the occasion were Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty and Research; Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy (EE & C), IIM Jammu; Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director; and Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director, IIM Jammu.

Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, welcomed the participants and highlighted that the program, organized under the aegis of the Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Programme, Ministry of Education, Government of India, aims to identify and nurture academic leadership. He emphasized that the initiative equips faculty with essential leadership skills, fosters future-ready academic leaders, and promotes a positive institutional culture. He noted that the program provides a valuable platform for peer learning, collaboration, and professional networking, reaffirming that leadership is key to driving educational transformation.

He reiterated India’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and underscored IIM Jammu’s active role in this journey. He advised the participants to note down their expectations at the start of the program and reflect at the end on whether these had been met.Participants were encouraged to collaborate with IIM Jammu faculty on joint research papers, reflect on their learning, and engage meaningfully throughout the program.

He also invited schools and colleges to visit the IIM Jammu campus and explore student immersion and certification programs for their students at IIM Jammu, while reaffirming the Institute’s strong partnerships with IIT Jammu and AIIMS Jammu, providing an overview of the academic programs offered as part of the collaboration, and urging everyone to contribute to nation-building.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean of Faculty and Research, IIM Jammu, welcomed the participants, emphasizing that nurturing leadership within academia is vital for institutional growth. He highlighted that the program aims to develop leadership from within the academic community, aligning with the vision of NEP 2020 and the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047>. He encouraged participants to go beyond classroom teaching, engage in peer learning, and draw inspiration from IIM Jammu’s own journey as a case study in institutional excellence. 

Prof. Sanjeev Pathak, Chairperson, Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu, highlighted that IIM Jammu is proud to be among the institutes conducting the maximum number of programs under this Ministry of Education initiative. He mentioned that the program has evolved batch by batch, incorporating participant feedback to enhance its effectiveness. Emphasizing that the NFLP focuses on individual growth and leadership development, he encouraged participants to engage actively over the next five days. He also outlined IIM Jammu’s executive education approach rooted in collective wisdom, peer learning, and continuous upskilling through both formal and informal interactions. 

Dr. Sarbjit Singh, Program Director, IIM Jammu, expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education and participating institutes for their nominations, welcoming participants to the twelfth program. He emphasized IIM Jammu’s commitment to nurturing future leaders through a two-way, participant-centric learning environment in the paradise of Jammu. Participants introduced themselves and shared their reflections on the program, discussing their experiences and expectations. The vote of thanks was proposed by Dr. Anuja Akhouri, Program Director, IIM Jammu, followed by the national anthem.

The twelfthbatch is comprised of 22 participants from institutes across India and is fully funded by the Ministry of Education, Government of India. The curriculum is structured into four key themes: leadership, communication, skill development, and recent government initiatives. Over five days, participants will engage in lectures, interactive workshops, group discussions, case studies, role-plays, and practical exercises, ensuring the active application of concepts. Following the inaugural ceremony, participants toured the institute’s campus, gaining insights into its state-of-the-art infrastructure. The participants were also given a tour of Manthan (Senate Hall), theworld-classNalanda Library, and smart classrooms.

The Nurturing Future Leadership Program aligns with the Malaviya Mission’s vision of empowering educators and leaders to shape India’s educational landscape, reinforcing IIM Jammu’s position as a hub for leadership and innovation. The training program is being coordinated and executed by office of the Executive Education and Consultancy, IIM Jammu.

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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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