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

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar in collaboration with Alumni Association will host its grand Alumni reunion, "SANGAM - 2025 "(Student Alumni Networking for Growth, Aspirations and Mentorship), on October 10 and 11, 2025. The event will bring together former students from within the region, across the country and abroad for two days of celebrations, expert's talks, mentorship, cultural programs and branch wise alumni-student interactions.

In his message, Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia said that Alumni are the true ambassadors of an institute, and their success reflects the strength of our academic and cultural foundation. “SANGAM 2025 will not only celebrate past achievements but also lays the groundwork for a future of collaboration, mentorship, and shared growth”, he said.

"We are committed to make this event memorable and impactful, and I extend my full support to all initiatives taken in this direction,” Prof Kanaujia added. Registrar NIT Srinagar, Prof. Atikur Rehman said the alumni community is one of the greatest assets of our Institute and their experiences, guidance, and contributions can transform, motivate the journey of our current students. “Through SANGAM 2025 and associated programs, we aim to strengthen this vital relationship,” he added.

These initiatives were thoroughly discussed during the first and second Alumni Association meetings held on June 15 and July 16, 2025 at NIT Srinagar. Key association members, along with representatives from the Office of the Dean, Alumni and International Affairs, contributed ideas and finalized the event schedule and the budget.

Prof. M.A. Shah, Dean of Alumni and International Affairs, along with the team which include Dr. H S Pali, Associate Dean and Dr. Dinesh Kumar coordinator of Alumni Affairs announced the event in consultation with all Members of Alumni Association, including President Prof M S Mir, Vice President Er. Aamir Ali, General Secretary Er. Ali Mohammad Rather, Secretary Syed Javed Bukhari, Additional Secretary Dr. M. Mursaleen, Joint Secretary - I, Prof Manzoor Ahmad Ahanger, Joint Secretary II, Er. Ajit Singh and Treasurer, Prof Shahid Saleem.

Prof. M.A. Shah, Dean Alumni & IA, expressed gratitude to Prof. Binod Kumar Kanaujia for his wholehearted support and patronage of the newly launched alumni initiatives. He said that a series of new programs have been introduced to strengthen the relationship between alumni, current students, and the faculty of this institute.

"We have launched to reinforce the bonds between our alumni and the Institute. As part of these efforts, NIT Srinagar will publish its first annual alumni bulletin, titled “Bridges & Beacons – A Chronicle of NIT Srinagar Alumni," he said.

Prof. Shah said that the inaugural edition will be unveiled during SANGAM - 2025 by Director NIT Srinagar in presence of various dignitaries. The bulletin will feature contributions from both alumni and current students, including articles, short stories, personal reminiscences, life lessons and practical knowledge and the last date for submission has been extended to 30th July 2025.

It will be edited by Er. Rashid Ahmed Fani, a distinguished alumnus of the erstwhile Regional Engineering College Srinagar. To support students who are yet to secure campus placements, the office of Dean Alumni & International Affairs has launched the Hand Holding Abhiyan (HHA). Under this initiative, alumni are encouraged to extend guidance, mentorship, job referrals, and career advice to our outgoing students.

“We call upon our alumni to extend a guiding hand—through mentorship, referrals, or career support. Together, we can ensure that no student feels left behind,” Prof. Shah said. Another key initiative, Eminent Alumni Lecture Series (EALS) or the Students Alumni Interaction (SAI), will include department-wise alumni-student sessions during SANGAM and throughout the academic year.

Departmental coordinators are currently being appointed. Alumni are invited to propose talks and interactive sessions aligned with their fields of specialization and industry experience. Dr. M Mursaleen will be the overall in charge of this Lecture Series.

Additionally, the institute has introduced Support Alma Mater (SAM), an open appeal to alumni to contribute in any possible way. This may include donating books, educational materials, or offering financial assistance to underprivileged students.

Prof. Shah said that even heartfelt advice can have a meaningful impact on the lives of our students. Meanwhile, the Dean's office has asked alumni to actively participate in these initiatives and to share their ideas, concerns, and contributions. “We look forward to hearing from you—your thoughts, your feedback, and your suggestions”.

The Alumni Association is also inviting potential sponsors to participate in various roles for our vast multitude of events, ranging from Alumni Day, Reunions, Chapter Events, Cultural shows, Seminars, & Alumni Lecture Series (ABC) etc. Meanwhile, the Dean's office has invited alumni to actively participate in these initiatives and to share their ideas, concerns, and contributions.  “We look forward to hearing from you—your thoughts, your feedback, and your suggestions.

These initiatives are part of NIT Srinagar’s broader vision to build a more vibrant, engaged, and inclusive alumni network, one that plays an active role in the institute’s growth and in shaping the future of its students," it said.

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 👇