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

BANDIPORA: In a significant step towards strengthening the transition from early childhood education to formal schooling, Vidyarambh (Āgāz-e-Taleem) certificates were today launched in Bandipora to formalise the linkage between Anganwadi-based early learning and admission to Class I.

On the occasion, the District Programme Officer (DPO) ICDS Bandipora and the Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) distributed certificates among outgoing Anganwadi children at Kiloosa and Dravey Pati centres under POSHAN Project Bandipora. The initiative marks the district’s first documented bridge connecting Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) provided at Anganwadi Centres with formal school enrolment.

ECCE is one of the key services under Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0. The National ECCE Policy (2013) and the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasize the importance of early childhood education as a foundational stage for lifelong learning and development. The initiative aims to ensure that children completing preschool education at Anganwadi Centres are formally recognised during their transition to primary schooling.

Officials said that in several remote areas, families often lacked documentation confirming completion of preschool education, which sometimes delayed admission of children into Class I. The Vidyarambh certificate has been introduced to address this gap by documenting the child’s participation in three years of Anganwadi-based ECCE, including play-based learning, early literacy and numeracy, as well as motor and social skill development.

Speaking on the occasion, the DPO ICDS highlighted that the certificate serves as recognition of the importance of early years learning and will help streamline the transition of children from Anganwadi Centres to nearby schools. The CDPO said Anganwadi Workers will maintain graduate lists and coordinate with schools to ensure that every eligible child secures admission in Class I.

Supervisors and officials present during the event noted that the initiative has been positively received by parents, as the certificates provide tangible recognition of children’s early learning and help address concerns related to age eligibility and admission procedures.

The district administration is treating the rollout as a pilot initiative and plans to monitor enrolment of certificate-holding children in Class I and their attendance in the coming academic term. Based on the outcomes, the process may be expanded to other blocks across the district.

The initiative is expected to further strengthen the role of Anganwadi Centres in early childhood development and support timely school enrolment, particularly in remote areas of the district.

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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