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

JAMMU: The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu today on 27th Sept 2024 inaugurated the 3-Day Capacity Building Program under the ambitious Project YUVA (Yuva Udyami Vikas Abhiyan). This groundbreaking initiative aims to foster entrepreneurship and accelerate employment opportunities across Jammu and Kashmir by empowering youth, women, and vulnerable groups.

The program, scheduled from 27th to 29th September 2024, was graced by govt. officials of Jammu and Kashmir. The inauguration ceremony began with traditional lamp lighting. The inaugural event was graced by Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS, Secretary to Govt., Labour& Employment Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir. Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu presided over the inaugural ceremony.

In his address, Shri Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, IAS,Secretary to Govt., Labour& Employment Department, Govt of Jammu and Kashmir emphasized that MissionYUVA is a forward-thinking initiative designed to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, independent of government schemes. He highlighted the challenges individuals face in their careers, stressing the need for a mindset that fosters intellectual growth and innovation. He outlined the 4Cs—Culture, Capital, Capacity, and Connectivity—as key pillars for driving entrepreneurial transformation.

He also emphasized the importance of creating market linkages and self-sustaining ecosystems for long-term growth. Additionally, he encouraged the government officials to draft comprehensive guidelines to support entrepreneurship, noting that clarity in these frameworks is essential for effective implementation.He concluded by reaffirming that this capacity-building program is a crucial step toward fostering a sustainable and vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that will empower both government officials and entrepreneurs to drive the future development of Jammu and Kashmir.

In his address, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, highlighted the critical need for a mindset shift to foster entrepreneurship in Jammu and Kashmir. Drawing from his personal journey in both industry and academia, he underscored that creativity and innovation, rather than financial aid or subsidies, are the driving forces behind entrepreneurship.

He emphasized that success requires embracing opportunities and challenges with the right mindset.  He urged participants to commit to Mission YUVA, pointing out that entrepreneurship benefits not only individuals but also has a transformative impact on communities. He stressed that success is inevitable when one takes ownership of the entrepreneurial journey, in line with IIM Jammu's vision to nurture entrepreneurswho can perform globally to make a valuable difference to the Society and the Corporate world. He also elaborated on the broader vision of mission YUVA, emphasizing its project to create a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, in his address, emphasized that initiatives like Project YUVA require careful planning and thoughtful deliberation during their design and implementation. He highlighted the core vision of Project YUVA, which aims to transform Jammu and Kashmir into a thriving hub of enterprises

The program is anchored around the 4Cs—Culture (ecosystem creation), Capital (credit enablement), Capacity (skill development and handholding), and Connectivity (market linkages). It aims to create 1.37 lakh enterprises, generating employment opportunities for 4.25 lakh youths in Jammu & Kashmir over the next five years. The initiative has a projected budget of ₹1,830 crore, with an influx of more than ₹5,000 crore expected from banks and financial institutions.The event culminated with the national anthem.

The YUVA initiative jointly developed by Govt. of Jammu and Kashmir and IIM Jammu is poised to create a lasting impact by developing a robust business ecosystem in the region, fostering entrepreneurship, and unlocking the economic potential of Jammu and 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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