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

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) today inaugurated the MSME Business Incubator at its Innovation Campus, to further boost the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem of Hammy and Kashmir. The Incubator has been sanctioned under the MSME Innovative Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.

The Incubator was inaugurated by Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Dean Academic Affairs, IUST, and Shri A. K. Tamaria, IEDS, Joint Director & Head of Office, MSME Development and Facilitation Office, Jammu, in the presence of Shri Saheel Alaqband, IEDS, Assistant Director, MSME DFO Srinagar, Prof. Parvez A. Mir, CEO, CIED-IUST Foundation, Mr. Sameer Wazir, Finance Officer, IUST, coordinators and members of the CIED-IUST Foundation, faculty members, and a large gathering of students from IUST and Government Polytechnic College.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir congratulated the CIED-IUST Foundation on its remarkable growth and described students as the "growth engines" of the University. Encouraging them to aspire high and embrace entrepreneurship as a promising career pathway, he urged students to cultivate curiosity by constantly asking why and how, identify problems encountered in everyday life, and work towards developing innovative solutions. He observed that such a problem-solving mindset is essential for building an entrepreneurial culture and appreciated the Foundation's vision in creating opportunities for young innovators.

Welcoming the distinguished guests, Prof. Parvez A. Mir highlighted the vision of the CIED-IUST Foundation to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem through strategic partnerships, incubation support and entrepreneurial capacity building. He noted that the establishment of the MSME Business Incubator represents another important milestone in the Foundation's mission to empower innovators, strengthen the startup ecosystem and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri A. K. Tamaria said that the primary objective of the Ministry of MSME is to create entrepreneurs and appreciated the role being played by the CIED-IUST Foundation in nurturing innovation-driven enterprises. He highlighted the Ministry's sustained efforts to promote entrepreneurship through incubation support and encouraged aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of the wide range of opportunities, financial assistance and mentoring available under various MSME schemes.

Shri Saheel Alaqband underscored the importance of the MSME Business Incubator in transforming innovative ideas into successful business ventures. He assured continued support from the MSME Development and Facilitation Office to startups and entrepreneurs across the region and emphasized the need for stronger institutional partnerships to promote innovation-led economic growth.

The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Shameem Iqbal, Manager, CIED-IUST Foundation. The proceedings of the program were coordinated by Mr. Syed Abdul Basit, Assistant Manager, CIED-IUST Foundation.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇