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

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has officially registered its alumni association, six decades after the institute was established. The move formalizes alumni engagement for the first time since the Institute’s inception as the Regional Engineering College (REC) Srinagar in 1960. The registration of the Alumni Association was led by Prof. M.A. Shah, Dr. H.S. Pali, Dr. Dinesh, Mr Mohammad Rafiq, and a dedicated team of alumni including Er. Aamir Ali.

Director NIT Srinagar, Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia hailed the registration of the Alumni Association and termed it as a landmark moment in the history of the Institute. “It reflects our commitment to building lasting connections with our alumni, who are an integral part of our legacy and growth. We look forward to their continued support in driving academic excellence and innovation at the Institute,” he said.

Prof. Binod Kumar said that NIT Srinagar has been making their mark across the globe. Now, with a formal structure in place, the long-cherished dream of nurturing and strengthening this bond between NIT Srinagar and alumni has become a reality. Institute’s Registrar Atikur Rahman said that registration of the Alumni Association is a significant achievement for NIT Srinagar. It will serve as a structured platform to engage with our former students and harness their expertise and experience for the betterment of the institute, he said.

Dean Alumni & International Affairs, Prof M.A Shah said that mission is to communicate the Institute’s goals and achievements while fostering a spirit of unity, loyalty, and shared purpose. In today’s rapidly changing world, it is imperative that we prepare the younger generation to face future challenges with wisdom, vision, courage, and sound knowledge.

 “This task cannot be accomplished in isolation—it is a collective responsibility that requires the commitment and support of our extended alumni family. Together, we must ensure our graduates are ready to serve humanity with honesty, integrity, and uprightness,” he said. Prof Shah said that Alumni can play an instrumental role by providing opportunities to students within their organizations or by leveraging their networks to create new avenues elsewhere.

 “This indispensable involvement will significantly contribute to realizing the vision of Viksit Bharat. Beyond professional opportunities, alumni can make a profound impact through philanthropic contributions—whether by supporting specific initiatives or funding a broad range of academic and developmental activities,” he said.

Prof. Shah said strong relationships between generations will not only enrich institutions but also foster healthier, value-based societies where elders feel respected and youth inherit the guiding principles that shape their future.

“We deeply value the involvement of our alumni and look forward to their support in all these endeavours. As envisioned by our thoughtful leaders, we are actively working to establish alumni chapters across different regions, states, and Countries. These chapters will nurture community spirit, facilitate professional networking, and reinforce the emotional and academic bond with the institute,” he added.

The managing body of the Alumni Association of NIT Srinagar (AANITS) includes Prof. Mohammad Shafi Mir as President, and Er. Aamir Ali Mir, Director Disaster Management J&K, as Vice-President, Er. Ali Mohammad Rather (Retd. Executive Engineer, JKPDD) is a member, while Er. Syed Javed Bukhari, MD FIL Industries Pvt. Ltd., serves as Secretary. Dr. Mohammad Mursaleen, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering, is the Additional Secretary. Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger as Joint Secretary (I), and Dr. Shahid Saleem is the Treasurer.

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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