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

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level meeting to discuss the establishment of a state-of-the-art International Museum of Goddess at Katra.

The meeting was attended by members of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board including Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Shri Baleshwar Rai, Dr. Ashok Bhan, Smt. Sudha Murty, Smt. Gunjan Rana, Dr. K.K. Talwar, Shri Kulbhushan Ahuja, Shri Lalit Bhasin, and Shri Suresh Kumar Sharma.

Padma Shri Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri; Dr. Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to the Lieutenant Governor; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice-Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; Shri Alok Maurya, Additional CEO, SMVDSB; and Ms. Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA, Prof. Satish Kumar Kapoor, Director, Central Sanskrit University, Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus; Dr. Chander Mouli Raina, Sanskrit Scholar and senior officials also attended the meeting.

During the deliberations, Board members and other stakeholders shared their valuable insights and suggestions for creation of a world-class spiritual and cultural landmark. The proposed museum aims to offer pilgrims a deeper understanding of Mata Shakti by seamlessly blending immersive storytelling, artifacts, and rich local traditions with cutting-edge modern technology. The state-of-the-art institution will showcase the sacred iconography of 51 Shakti Peethas alongside the nine divine Swaroops of Maa Durga.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Shrine Board briefed the meeting on steps taken so far. These include the launch of a dedicated website to invite suggestions from across the globe, study visits by teams to existing premier museums across the country, and the identification of leading domain experts to bring the grand vision to fruition.

The Board approved the creation of a permanent post for a Director General, who will head the International Museum of Goddess alongside a dedicated team of experts and officials. Furthermore, the Board granted approval for a dedicated corpus of funds to seamlessly drive the conceptualization, development, and operations of the prestigious project.

The Lieutenant Governor suggested deputing a team of experts to visit the various sacred Shaktipeeths to be featured in the museum. The Board also resolved to appoint a specialized consultant to spearhead detailed research and architectural conceptualization.

The Museum shall serve as a spiritual sanctuary and a premier center of knowledge. With an integrated library and research center, it will play a pivotal role in awakening the young generation to the rich cultural, traditional, and spiritual values of our Shaktipeeths and the region.

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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