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

JAMMU: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s historic address at the Somnath Swabhiman Parv, marking 1,000 years since the first attack on the sacred Somnath Temple, stands as a powerful reaffirmation of Bharat’s civilisational resilience, Sanatan values, and unbroken spiritual strength, said BJP Spokesperson and Convenor, International Affairs, BJP Jammu & Kashmir UT, Gaurav Gupta.

Describing Somnath as far more than a monument, Gupta said the temple embodies the soul of Hindu faith, the continuity of Indian civilisation, and the indomitable spirit of Bharat. “From Mahmud of Ghazni to Aurangzeb, repeated attempts were made by fanatic invaders to destroy Somnath with the misguided belief that demolishing a temple would shatter India’s spirit. History has proven them wrong. Those invaders are confined to the pages of history, while Somnath continues to stand tall, its flag flying high as a symbol of faith’s triumph over fanaticism,” he asserted.

Gupta said the Prime Minister rightly emphasised that the history of Somnath is not a tale of defeat, but of victory, renewal, and resurgence. Despite repeated attacks over centuries, Somnath never vanished from the collective consciousness of Hindu society. “It survived in faith, memory, and resolve, reflecting the eternal flow of Sanatan Dharma one that cannot be erased, only strengthened by adversity,” he said.

Highlighting PM Modi’s remarks on historical truth, Gupta noted that for decades, deliberate distortions attempted to portray repeated attacks on Somnath merely as acts of plunder. “If wealth had been the sole motive, one attack would have sufficed. The repeated desecration of the Jyotirlinga clearly reveals a deeper intent to assault Hindu identity and undermine Indian civilisation itself,” he said.

Referring to the post-Independence reconstruction of Somnath, Gupta recalled that when Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel resolved to rebuild the temple as a symbol of national pride and civilisational self-respect, forces driven by appeasement and ideological bias tried to obstruct this sacred mission. “As the Prime Minister cautioned, such forces still exist in different forms today, and Bharat must remain united, vigilant, and resolute to defeat them,” he added.

Gupta paid rich tribute to brave warriors such as Veer Hamirji Gohil and countless devotees who laid down their lives in defence of Somnath. He said initiatives like the Shaurya Yatra and Somnath Swabhiman Parv honour this legacy of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion to Mahadev.

Addressing the youth of the nation, Gupta said the Prime Minister’s message carries special significance for the younger generation. “Our youth must remain deeply connected to their dharma, history, and cultural roots at the grassroots level. Understanding our civilisational journey, temples, traditions, and sacrifices is essential to building a confident, aware, and culturally rooted Bharat. When the youth know their history, no force can mislead or weaken the nation,” he emphasized.

Concluding, Gaurav Gupta said Somnath’s story is, in essence, the story of India itself repeatedly attacked, yet never defeated. “Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bharat is reclaiming its true history with pride and confidence. Somnath today stands not only as a spiritual beacon but as a clear declaration to the world that India remembers, India rises, and India will always protect its faith, culture, and civilisation,” he said.

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 👇