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

AWANTIPORA: To mark the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) held a day-long workshop on Monday. The workshop was organised by Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction, IUST, and sponsored by Department of Disaster Management Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction (DMRRR), Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The event titled ‘Empowering the Next Generation for a Resilient Future’ featured inaugural, poster and technical sessions. The inaugural session started with a screening of a short film on Disaster Management produced by Department of Journalism and Mass Communication (DJMC) highlighting disaster risks and preparedness.

In his presidential address, Prof. Shakil A Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, emphasized on the disaster vulnerabilities and the need to devise mitigation strategies and integration thereof in course curricula from School level onwards. He reaffirmed IUST’s commitment in knowledge generation, dissemination and contribution to policy formulations.

President, Nepal Centre for Disaster Management, Prof Bishal Nath Upreti who was the chief guest on the occasion, shared a four-pronged strategy to mitigate disaster risk. “These include having a clear understanding of the disasters, improving governance, investing in disaster preparedness and enhancing a response mechanism,”. He added that every year, tens of thousands of people die because of cyclones. “Disasters are not going to stop, but we need to work on our disaster preparedness,” he said.

Guest of honour and Under Secretary, DMRRR, Government of J&K, Snober Jameel, said, there is a need to generate awareness among youth to build a resilient future and help them be prepared to fight any disaster. While lauding the IUST for organising the workshop, she said, this is a platform for all of us to “share our knowledge and learn from the experts.”

Prof Shakeel Ahmed Visiting Professor IUST, said that while it is not possible to completely eliminate disasters, “we can always minimise the risk by building skills for disaster management.” Earlier, welcoming the guests, Dr Irfan Maqbool Bhat, said the workshop should help create knowledge that shall ensure a safer future for the people of J&K. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Dr Heeba Din, Assistant Professor, DJMC.

Later, a posted presentation session was held, which was followed by two technical sessions on earthquake hazards and GLOF (Glacial Lake Outburst Flood) hazards, where leading experts from J&K and other parts of India shared their valuable insights on the strategies and tools that could be used to ensure a disaster resilient future.

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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