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

JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma today underscored the critical role of teachers and school management committees in ensuring psychosocial well-being and safeguarding of children.

The Minister was addressing a Training of Teachers and School Management Committees on Psychosocial Support and Child Safeguarding, organised at Government Higher Secondary School, Dhakhar in Chamb Constituency.

 The programme was organised by the National Development Foundation (NDF), Jammu, in collaboration with the School Education Department, under the Parivartan Small Grants Programme 2025–26, supported by HDFC Bank.

Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma said that schools are not merely centres of academic learning but also safe spaces where children’s emotional, psychological and social development must be nurtured. He stressed that teachers play a pivotal role in identifying early signs of stress, trauma or vulnerability among students and responding with sensitivity and responsibility.

The Minister highlighted the Government’s commitment towards creating a secure and inclusive environment for children, particularly those in difficult circumstances. He added that capacity-building initiatives like this training programme strengthen the institutional framework for child protection and promote a culture of care, empathy and vigilance within schools.

Satish Sharma also appreciated the efforts of the National Development Foundation and partner organisations for working closely with the School Education Department to empower educators and community stakeholders. He called for sustained collaboration between government departments, civil society organisations and financial institutions to ensure holistic child welfare.

Officials from the School Education Department, representatives of NDF, teachers, members of School Management Committees and other stakeholders were present on the occasion. The programme focused on equipping participants with practical tools and knowledge to address psychosocial challenges faced by children and to implement effective child safeguarding mechanisms at the school level.

On the occasion, the Minister also distributed interactive learning panels (Smart Classrooms) to four schools and provided sports material to four schools located in the border areas of Chamb constituency, aimed at strengthening educational infrastructure and promoting physical fitness among students in remote regions.

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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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