In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Former Education Minister says India’s education system must blend technology with human values and its civilisational knowledge traditions

NEW DELHI: Former Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’ called for an education system that prioritises human development, values and cultural rootedness while embracing innovation and technology. “Don’t make a machine, make a human. This is the first condition of this new education policy,” Dr. Nishank said while addressing a special session of the ‘NaMo Viksit Bharat Samvad’ series, organised by the Centre for NaMo Studies (CNMS) in collaboration with the Dr. Ambedkar International Centre at DAIC Janpath, New Delhi.

Speaking on “The Implementation of the National Education Policy 2020: Strengthening Inclusive, Innovative, Future-Ready Higher Education in India and Gen Z,” he stressed the importance of learning in Indian languages and respecting the country’s linguistic diversity. “Do your primary education in your language. Tamil Nadu, do it in Tamil. Kerala, do it in Malayalam,” Dr Nishank said.

Dr. Nishank also underlined the need to move beyond the legacy of colonial education and reconnect learning with India’s intellectual and knowledge traditions. Former Governor of Assam Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, who chaired the programme, said the strength of a nation depends substantially on the quality of its education system. He called for integrating the creativity and aspirations of Gen Z into India’s emerging educational vision.

Ms. Anca Verma, Managing Trustee, Shrikant Verma Trust, said NEP 2020 represented a significant shift towards an education system that is modern and technology-enabled while remaining connected to India’s cultural roots. CNMS Chairman Prof. Jasim Mohammad said the initiative brought together NEP 2020, Indian Knowledge Systems and Gen Z, stressing that teachers remain central to educational transformation.

The workshops with three sessions featured deliberations by educationists and academics, including Prof. Lovely Sharma, Prof. Payal Kanwar Chandel, Prof. Raman Chadha, Dr. Syed Mahrul Hasan, Dr. Shreedevi Kalyan, Prof. Divya Tanwar, Dr Amna Mirza and DAIC Director Col. Akash Patil.

The Viksit Bharat Shikshak Puraskar 2026 was also presented to ten educators for their contributions to teaching and nation-building. CNMS interns also shared their perspectives on technology, skills, innovation and the future of education.

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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