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

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), in collaboration with the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS), will host the International Conference on ‘Mapping the Future of Sustainable Landscapes: Geospatial Innovations for People, Places, and Practices’ on October 8-9, 2025 at its Awantipora campus (Campus I).

The conference will be inaugurated by Javid Ahmad Dar, Minister for Agriculture, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj. It will bring together leading scientists, policymakers, industry experts and young researchers to explore how geospatial technologies, like GIS, remote sensing, Artificial Intelligence, IoT and Big Data, can drive sustainable landscape management.

Over two days, the conference will feature keynote addresses, thematic sessions, panel discussions, and poster presentations bridging cutting-edge research with practical interventions in governance, disaster risk reduction, climate impacts, tourism, and heritage conservation

Highlighting its significance, Prof. Shakil Romshoo, Vice Chancellor of IUST, said, “This conference marks an important milestone in positioning IUST at the forefront of geospatial innovations. We are proud to be among the first universities in the country to join the national mission to launch one of the 75 student satellites in space. Moreover, IUST is among the few universities in India to offer a Four-Year Undergraduate Program in Geospatial Technology, reaffirming our commitment to advancing education in emerging technologies.”

The conference is sponsored by several government, industry institutional and private partners and aims to catalyze impactful conversations that will shape the use of geospatial technology for sustainable landscapes.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇