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

HYDERABAD:  In a significant move to advance global academic and research collaboration, the Government of Telangana and RMIT University, Melbourne, signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to collaborate in the fields of education, research, and innovation in life sciences. 

The LoI was signed in the presence of the Hon’ble Minister for IT, Electronics & Communications, and Industries & Commerce, Government of Telangana, between Professor Catherine Itsiopoulos, Deputy Vice-Chancellor of RMIT University, and Mr Shakthi Nagappan, CEO of Telangana Life Sciences Foundation, along with senior government officials and academic leaders. 

RMIT University, one of Australia’s leading global institutions with over 90,000 students across its campuses, is renowned for its strong emphasis on industry-integrated education and applied research. Ranked 75th globally for International Outlook by Times Higher Education, RMIT is recognized for its global research collaborations and robust industry linkages. Its School of Science leads advanced research in biotechnology, biosciences, and molecular biology, supported by cutting-edge facilities for translational and applied research. 

The university recently launched a joint initiative with BITS Hyderabad — the BITS-RMIT Higher Education Academy — aimed at promoting advanced research, academic exchange, and innovation-driven education between Australia and India. Through this partnership, research scholars from Telangana will gain the opportunity to pursue joint PhD programs, spending part of their academic journey at BITS Hyderabad and RMIT Melbourne. The collaboration will also enable student and faculty exchanges, promote joint research projects, and create an industry-aligned curriculum aimed at strengthening India’s R&D ecosystem. 

Speaking on the occasion, Hon’ble Minister Shri D. Sridhar Babu said, “This partnership with RMIT reflects Telangana’s long-term vision of investing in people and ideas. As we work towards establishing the Telangana School of Life Sciences, such collaborations will help us nurture a highly skilled, research-oriented workforce that can drive innovation and shape India’s biotechnology future.” 

Professor Itsiopoulos, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, RMIT University, said, “RMIT is excited to partner with Telangana in shaping the next generation of researchers and innovators through impactful, industry-relevant education and collaborative research.” 

Mr. Shakthi Nagappan, CEO, Telangana Life Sciences Foundation, added, “This strategic alliance is the blueprint for tomorrow's Genome Valley. By coupling RMIT’s world-class academic engine with Hyderabad’s unparalleled biotech infrastructure, we are not just educating talent; we are future-proofing our local R&D capability and directly contributing to India’s status as a global pharmaceutical innovation powerhouse 

The meeting concluded with the formal signing of the LoI, marking the beginning of a new chapter in Telangana’s pursuit of excellence in life sciences. This partnership with RMIT University embodies the state’s vision to cultivate world-class talent, foster innovation, and position Hyderabad at the forefront of global biotechnology education and research.

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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