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

JAMMU:  Bhagat Amar Nath and Jagan Nath Charitable Trust solemnly commemorated the 55th Balidan Diwas of Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath on Sunday at the Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath Samark Park in Jammu. The tribute ceremony was attended by several prominent dignitaries, including Surinder Bhagat, Chairman of the Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath Charitable Trust, along with MLAs Ch. Vikram Randhawa, Mohan Lal Bhagat, Krishan Lal Bhagat, Yudhvir Sethi, and Corporator Anil Masoom.

Speaking on the occasion, Surinder Bhagat highlighted Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath’s unwavering dedication to the upliftment of the downtrodden communities in Jammu and Kashmir.

He recalled how, during the 1970s, there was widespread resentment among the Dalit Samaj over the denial of reservation rights by the then state government. Despite the implementation of reservation for SCs, STs, ex-servicemen, and differently-abled persons across central services and other states, Jammu and Kashmir had failed to follow suit, even after the enactment of the Constitution of India on January 26, 1950, largely shaped by Baba Sahib Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath took serious note of the state's discriminatory stance and launched a relentless agitation across the Jammu province. When his demands continued to be ignored, he made the ultimate sacrifice by going on a fast unto death at Amarnath Samark Park, in front of the civil secretariat, starting on May 21, 1970. He attained martyrdom on June 1, 1970, becoming a symbol of the struggle for reservation rights and social justice.

The Charitable Trust has continued to honor his legacy year after year. Trust members including Rashpal Digra, Advocate Rajan Bhagat, LD Gorkha, Bansilal Choudhary, Mohan Lal Pawar, Bachan Lal, Gurmeet Dutta, and Bilal Choudhary participated in the event to pay their respects and remember the great sacrifice of Shaheed Bhagat Amarnath, who gave his life for the empowerment of the marginalized.

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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