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

JAMMU: The Election Board of All J&K Guru Ravidass Sabha (GRDS) has commenced preparations for holding Sabha elections for the 2025-27 term as per the Sabha Constitution, announced Er. Darshan Kumar Kalsotra, Chairman of the Election Board, during a press briefing. Following the conclusion of the celebrations marking the 648th Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Ravidass Ji Maharaj, the Election Board has officially started the election process for the positions of President and General Secretary of the Sabha.

Er. Kalsotra informed that fresh membership enrollment will begin soon, with membership booklets being distributed to branch heads through their respective Presidents and General Secretaries. The membership drive is set to be completed within three weeks, after which voter lists will be prepared. A General House meeting will then be convened to outline the next steps in accordance with the Sabha Constitution.

The entire election process is expected to be completed within three months from the issuance date of membership booklets. The Election Board has urged all Biradari members to actively participate in the membership drive to ensure fair and democratic elections for the Sabha leadership.

This marks the first Sabha election in a decade, with the last elections held in April 2015. Er. Kalsotra also informed that the civil and police administration have been notified, and assistance from authorities will be sought if needed for the smooth conduct of elections. It is noteworthy that on December 29, during a General Body meeting, an eight-year-long pending bipartite dispute was resolved through constitutional powers vested in the General House.

The General House removed the previously elected President and General Secretary (2015-17) and constituted an eleven-member Adhoc Committee to oversee daily operations and manage key events such as the Shoba Yatra on February 9 and the Prakash Utsav on February 12, both of which saw significant participation from the Ravidassia community and government representatives.

In addition to the Managing Committee of the Sabha, election board members present at the press conference included Pritam Dass Bangotra , Sham Lal Samyal, G.L. Atri, Dharamvir Sangral , and  Co-opted members  Dev Raj Thappa  and Vijay Kumar.

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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