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

KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) successfully hosted TEDx SMVDU 2025. The event was organized by Savishkar Club, and Board of Professional Activities, SMVDU. The event, themed “Turning Ideas into Reality with the Spark of Innovation”, brought together distinguished speakers who shared their inspiring journeys, innovative ideas, and thought-provoking insights with enthusiastic audience.

Adding prestige to the occasion, Prof, (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, graced the occasion as a Chief Guest. The event started with the welcome address by Dr. Ankush Raina, President, Board of Professional Activities, followed by an address by Prof. R.K. Mishra, Dean of Student Welfare. The event featured six eminent speakers: Ambassador Deepak Vohra an accomplished diplomat and humanitarian; P Arvind, Co-founder of Enlighten Capital and startup mentor; Dhananjay Singh, Co-founder of Go Productions and expert in branding and immersive experiences; Dr. Surendar Jatoth, Founder of Vivaea Cure Foundation and renowned medical researcher; Brigadier (Retd.) Hitendra Singh Pilkhwal, a military strategist and scholar; and Jagdeep Singh (JKAS), a civil servant and change maker.

Each speaker captivated the audience with their insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, healthcare, defense, and public service. Dr Rajesh Kumar, Faculty Advisor, TEDx SMVDU delivered the vote of thanks. TEDx SMVDU 2025 proved to be a beacon of inspiration, innovation, and transformation, igniting meaningful discussions and motivating young minds to turn their ideas into reality. With such a stellar lineup of speakers, distinguished guests, and a dedicated organizing team, the event set a benchmark for future intellectual and creative endeavours at SMVDU.

Prof. Ashutosh Vashishtha, Dean, Faculty of Management & IIC Chairman and Dr. Rashi Taggar, Faculty Advisor, Savishkar Club, SMVDU were also present on the occasion. Their presence and contribution in the event underscored the significance of knowledge exchange and intellectual growth at SMVDU. Prof, (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, congratulated the students and organizers for the successful completion of the event and stressed up the need of such events in shaping the young minds.The event was sponsored by IIC and was seamlessly managed by an exceptional team, led by Divyanshu Pranjal, President of Savishkar Club, with V. Yash Raj as Event Manager, Abhshek Vishal and Priyanshi Bhat as Project Managers, Abhishek Kumar Sharma as Logistics Head, AkankhaSiwach as Hospitality Head , and a dedicated Tech Team including Himanshu Kumar, Raiyan Raza, Anurag Aryan, Nitish Sharma, and other coordinators . The Design Team, headed by Gaurav Kumar, played a crucial role in enhancing the event’s identity, while Abhishek Kumar Pandey (Licensee) and other TEDx SMVDU Coordinators ensured its success.

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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