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

NEW DELHI: The four-day innovation festival Navonmesh 2026, hosted at Central India’s first skill university—Scope Global Skills University (SGSU), Bhopal—concluded in an atmosphere of celebration with prize distribution and cultural performances. The event provided a powerful platform in the domains of Artificial Intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship, and skill development, uniting experts, researchers, startups, and students from across India and abroad. 

The first two days featured the International Conference on Artificial Intelligence (ICAI), where scientists, researchers, and industry leaders from India, Singapore, Germany, Malaysia, Vietnam, UAE, Kosovo, and Australia engaged in in-depth discussions on diverse dimensions of AI. Key deliberations highlighted applications and future potential of AI in healthcare, defence, manufacturing, agriculture, energy, and digital governance. 

Shri. Santosh Choubey, Chairman of the AISECT Group, remarked that Artificial Intelligence is no longer a technology of the future but of the present, and must be adopted responsibly and with balance. He announced the university’s ambitious AI Literacy Mission, aiming to train one crore youth over the next three years. 

Experts from IISc Bengaluru, IIT Ropar, IISER Bhopal, CSIR, DRDO, and other premier institutions presented their research. Over 400 research papers, AI tool demonstrations, and poster presentations enriched the conference.  Following the conference, AI expert Mr. Vaibhav Sisinty delivered an inspiring keynote session to launch the competitions of Navonmesh 2026. Urging youth to become “AI natives,” he emphasized that future success will belong to those who learn, experiment, and solve problems with technology. 

The subsequent two days witnessed spirited competitions showcasing innovation, technical skills, and entrepreneurial vision. In the InnoMaker Product Hackathon, students presented pioneering models in smart agriculture, automated fire safety, electrical safety, and clean technology. The PlanX – Business Plan Battle saw students pitch startup ideas reflecting their entrepreneurial mindset. 

Other contests included AI and software hackathons, e-sports, robotics, dance, music, cooking, and storytelling, drawing enthusiastic participation from across the country. 

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Siddharth Chaturvedi, Chancellor, SCOPE Global Skills University, observed that platforms like Navonmesh empower youth to discover and channel their potential. “In such events, participants either win or learn—and in both cases, they carry home rich experiences,” he said. Dr. (Prof.) Vijay Singh, Vice Chancellor, SCOPE Global Skills University, stressed the importance of industry-oriented education and hands-on exposure, while Dr. Sitesh Kumar Sinha, Registrar, SCOPE Global Skills University, lauded the creativity and teamwork of the participants. 

Winners across categories were felicitated for excellence in technology, entrepreneurship, and creative pursuits. The festival culminated in a vibrant musical night featuring The Roots Band, which electrified the atmosphere as young audiences swayed to the rhythms of live music. 

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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