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

JAMMU: The second day of the National Conference on “Tourism, Technology and Talent: Shaping Future-Ready Managers” organized by the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management, University of Jammu was marked by a series of academic and policy-oriented sessions that highlighted the evolving dimensions of tourism, innovation, and education.

The second day began with “Tourism Vimarsh: Roots to Routes”- A Co-Created Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue that brought together voices from academia, industry, policy, and community stakeholders. The first segment, themed “Roots and Knowledge: India’s Tourism Soul,” focused on India’s rich cultural heritage, indigenous knowledge systems, and the importance of preserving authenticity while promoting sustainable tourism. Industry experts included: Dr D K Hari & Dr D K Hema Hari Founders, Bharath Gyan, Prof. (Dr) Manager Singh, Former Director General National Research Laboratory for Conservation, Chef (Dr) Rajeev Goyal President, India Food Tourism Organization, Chef Prashant Rohilla Executive Chef, F2P Food Services LLP, Ms. Shuchi Roy Co-Founder, Anahad Foundation , and Ms. Prerna Prasad Founder, Ecoplore India. Academic experts included Prof. Sandeep Kulshreshtha. Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Ashish Dahiya, MDU Rohtak. 

The dialogue seamlessly transitioned into the second segment, “Routes and Futures: New Pathways of Tourism,” which explored future trajectories of tourism development. Industry experts in this session included Mr Rajan Bahadur CEO, Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council, Mr Ravi Gosain President, IATO, Mr Pankaj Chaudhary Associate Director (Sales), FCM, Mr Alok Singh Founder, Enriching Journeys, Mr Vijay Handa, AVM Travel Designers, and Mr. Navjot Jamwal Founder, LakSat Journeys. Academic experts included Prof Sampad Swain Pondicherry University, Prof Jitendran K J Indian Institute of Management, Sirmaur and Prof Prashant Gautam Panjab University. 

The academic engagements of the day concluded with an impactful session chaired by Professor Parikshat Singh Manhas, Director, Consortium for Educational Commission, University Grants Commission titled “Reimagining Education: Technology, Tourism and Talent.” The session took the form of a workshop on future-ready curriculum, highlighting the need to redesign tourism and hospitality education to align with industry 5.0, digital transformation, and evolving skill requirements. Prof Mir Abdul Sofique, University of Burdwan, Prof Saurabh Dixit, NEHU, Shillong, Prof Shyju P J , BHU, Prof Anil Gupta, Prof Suvidha Khanna, Dr Reyaz Qureshi, Kashmir University, Dr Ravinder Dogra, NIWS-IITTM, Dr. Ranjeet Raman, CUJ, Dr Ramjit, Central University of Kashmir, Prof Ashish Raina, Dr Nikita Dogra, Dr Nikhil Singh Charak and other faculty members.

Later in the day, Technical Sessions, where academicians, researchers, and industry experts presented insightful papers and shared perspectives on emerging trends, innovations, and challenges in tourism and hospitality. 

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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