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

NEW DELHI: As India prepares for the Union Budget 2025, leaders in the education sector are voicing strong expectations regarding the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into learning and support for tech startups.

Mridu Andotra, Founder & CEO of GeniusMentor, emphasizes the urgent need for a dedicated budget allocation for AI in schools and colleges. She states, ā€œThe Indian education system is on the cusp of a technological revolution, and the upcoming budget presents a crucial opportunity to solidify our commitment to integrating AI into the learning experienceā€. Andotra highlights that while the government has allocated INR 10,300 crore to the IndiaAI Mission in the previous budget, this funding does not specifically target educational initiatives.

She advocates for increasing this allocation to 5-10% of the overall education budget to enhance AI infrastructure, including high-speed internet access and advanced digital tools, which are essential for empowering India's youth and positioning the nation as a leader in AI.

Ram Ramalingam, Founder & CMO of GeniusMentor, echoes these sentiments by stressing the importance of supporting tech startups in education. He asserts that ā€œit’s high time for the government to ā€˜walk the talk’ on providing tangible assistance & benefits to startupsā€. Ramalingam calls for measures such as lowering costs and turnaround times for business incorporation and offering financial subsidies and grants to startups focusing on next-generation technologies like AI. He believes that these initiatives will significantly enhance the quality of India's workforce on a global scale.

With Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman set to present her budget speech on February 1, 2025, experts hope that these recommendations will be taken into account to foster a more robust educational framework that leverages technology effectively.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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