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

JAMMU: Sardar@150 Unity March will be organized nationwide to celebrate the spirit of united, Viksit and Atmanirbhar Bharat to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, whose vision and determination unified a fragmented India.

This was stated by Baldev Singh Billawaria, General Secretary, J&K BJP, who is also the J&K BJP Incharge for the Sardar@150 Unity March, while addressing a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. He was accompanied by party leaders Parduman Singh, Jaideep Sharma, and Lovedeval Sharma.

Baldev Singh Billawaria, stated that the campaign, aligning with the mission of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat and the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Viksit Bharat and Atmanirbhar Bharat, seeks to rekindle Sardar Patel’s message of unity and nation-building.

Addressing the press conference, Billawaria informed that the campaign was inaugurated on 6th October and began with a vibrant digital phase, featuring social media reel contests, essay writing competitions, and the ‘Sardar@150 Young Leaders Programme’, which has received enthusiastic participation from youth nationwide through the MY Bharat portal.

Billawaria stated that the second phase of the campaign, scheduled from 31st October to 25th November, will include district-level workshops and padyatras across the region. The programmes will be held in schools and colleges, featuring debates, essay writing, seminars, and street plays (nukkad nataks) on the life and ideals of Sardar Patel. Events such as ‘Swadeshi Melas’, Yoga Shivir, Health Camps, and Cleanliness Drives will also be organized, along with floral tributes to Sardar Patel. Participants will take the “Proudly Swadeshi” and “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” pledges, reinforcing the principles of environmental and national self-reliance.

Billawaria announced that these activities will see the presence of Union Ministers, Members of Parliament, MLAs, and other dignitaries, who will join the youth and citizens in honouring Sardar Patel’s legacy. Volunteers from MY Bharat, NCC, NSS, and various social and religious organisations will participate actively, transforming the initiative into a mass movement of unity and patriotism.

Highlighting the National Padyatra, Billawaria said that from 26th November (Constitution Day) to 6th December, thousands of padyatris will embark on a historic 152-kilometre march from Karamsad, Sardar Patel’s birthplace, to the Statue of Unity in Kevadia. Along this journey, participants will engage in cleanliness drives, plantation campaigns, public interactions, and social outreach.

He added that during this period, 150 locations across India will host exhibitions on Sardar Patel’s life and contribution under the theme of Viksit Bharat, celebrating Unity in Diversity. Every evening, cultural presentations titled “Sardar Gatha” will be organized, showcasing stories of Patel’s leadership and the spirit of national integration.

Billawaria said that just as Sardar Patel united the map of India, we must unite its dreams. This Unity March is not merely a commemoration, but a collective pledge to build the India of Sardar Patel’s vision, a self-reliant, strong, and developed Bharat, he added.

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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