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

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Sunday said that the first batch of more than 70 Indian students; the majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir along with several pilgrims who had been stranded in Iran amid the ongoing war-like situation in the region, safely arrived at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi on a commercial flight this morning as part of the initial phase of the evacuation process.

In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that the students returned to India via a connecting journey through Armenia and Dubai after undertaking a long and difficult land and air transit arranged in coordination with the concerned authorities.He said the students travelled from different cities in Iran by buses and crossed into Armenia, from where they boarded a Flydubai flight from Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan to Dubai.

From Dubai, the passengers boarded another connecting Flydubai flight that landed at Indira Gandhi International Airport at around 9:45 AM on Sunday.Khuehami said the majority of the returning students had been studying at various universities across Iran, including Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and other universities across the country.

Many of them had earlier been relocated to safer locations by the Indian Embassy in Tehran amid the deteriorating security situation.He said the evacuation was made possible following coordinated efforts between the Ministry of External Affairs, Indian missions in Tehran and Yerevan, and other concerned authorities after the matter was taken up with senior officials.He added that the students in this batch returned to India on commercial flights as part of an initial evacuation arrangement facilitated through diplomatic coordination and the support of Indian missions.

The Association expressed gratitude to the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in Tehran for facilitating the safe evacuation and ensuring the students’ return to India during a challenging situation.Khuehami said that, “This development has brought much-needed relief to students and families across Kashmir who had been deeply worried about the safety of their children in the conflict-affected region.

Khuehami further said that there is an urgent need for the government to launch a full-fledged evacuation operation, similar to the large-scale evacuation carried out during the Ukraine crisis and the evacuation undertaken during last year’s 12-day war-like situation in Iran, to ensure the safe and timely return of all Indian students still stranded in different parts of the country.He also added that AC sleeper buses were arranged by the Jammu and Kashmir Government for the students’ onward journey after their arrival in Delhi. The Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister made the necessary arrangements to ensure their smooth return to their homes.

The sleeper buses were deployed to facilitate the safe and comfortable transportation of the students and pilgrims back to Jammu and Kashmir. The sleeper coaches were stationed in the parking area on the left side of the exit gate at Terminal 3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, to assist the arriving students, he said.These arrangements were put in place to ensure a seamless transition for the returnees after their long and difficult journey from Iran via Armenia and Dubai.

Khuehami, however, added that many students were exhausted due to continuous travel over the past several days, having undertaken long road and air journeys before finally reaching India. He said while some students opted to board the arranged buses for their onward journey to Jammu and Kashmir, while others directly booked connecting flights to Srinagar due to fatigue and the long duration of travel.

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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