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

NEW DELHI: A skilling initiative by SBI Foundation in partnership with NIIT Foundation has placed 51 young graduates in the banking, financial services and insurance (BFSI) sector in its first year and is targeting over 500 jobs in the next phase.  The programme, SBIF LEAP (Skilling for the Future in BFSI), has enrolled 171 candidates so far, of whom 75 have completed training, according to a joint statement. 

The two-year initiative aims to equip youth aged 18–25 with industry-relevant skills and improve employability in India’s growing financial services sector.  Training is currently being delivered through centres in Hyderabad (Hayathnagar) and Gurugram, covering both technical BFSI modules and professional skills such as communication and interview readiness. 

“We are seeing encouraging outcomes in terms of placements and participation, including from young women, highlighting the role of targeted skilling in enabling sustainable livelihoods,” said Charu Kapoor, Country Director, NIIT Foundation. 

Vaishnavi Shikha, Assistant Manager, CSR LEAP Team at SBI Foundation, said the initiative is aligned with the need to build a skilled workforce for India’s financial ecosystem. 

The programme is expected to scale up in its second year, with a target to train over 700 candidates and facilitate employment opportunities for more than 500 youth.  Going forward, the initiative will expand industry engagement through job fairs, employer partnerships, and exposure visits, while strengthening support in English communication and interview preparation. 

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇