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

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association here on Saturday said that more than 70 Indian students, the majority of them from Jammu and Kashmir, who were stranded in Iran amid the ongoing war situation in the region, are returning safely to India on a commercial flight and are scheduled to arrive at Indira Gandhi International Airport on Sunday morning via a connecting journey through Armenia and Dubai, following a coordinated evacuation effort.

In a statement, the National Convenor of Association Nasir Khuehami said that the students are travelling on Flydubai Flight FZ8124, which departed from Zvartnots International Airport, carrying over 70 Indian students along with other pilgrims. The majority of the passengers on board are students from Kashmir who had been studying at different universities in Iran.He said that the journey is being carried out through a connecting route.

The first leg of the flight departed from Yerevan to Dubai International Airport at 13:25 (Armenia time) on March 14 and is expected to arrive in Dubai at 17:00 (Dubai time).From Dubai, the passengers will board another Flydubai connecting flight Flydubai Flight FZ441, which is scheduled to depart at 05:05 (Dubai time) and is expected to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, at approximately 9:55 AM (IST).

The Association said that these students had been stranded in Iran due to the ongoing war-like situation and deteriorating security conditions in the region and are now returning safely to India. It further said that most of the students travelling in this batch are studying at Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, and other universities across Iran.Before boarding the flight, the students travelled by buses from different cities in Iran and undertook a long land journey to Armenia, reaching Zvartnots International Airport in Yerevan to board the evacuation flight.

Earlier, The students were relocated to safer locations by the Indian Embassy in Tehran. Meanwhile, another group of stranded students studying in Kerman has also been moved to the relatively safer city of Qom as a precautionary measure.The Association said it is working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Embassy of Iran in New Delhi, and Indian missions in Tehran and Yerevan to secure land-transit permits and airline seats for the stranded students.

It said the evacuation route through Armenia was arranged following requests and concerns raised by the students.Khuehami said that the matter was flagged with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri last week, after which the required permissions for land transit and travel were granted. The Association also said that the Ministry of External Affairs has advised Indian students currently in Iran to avoid sharing their exact locations or personal details on social media platforms as a precautionary measure to ensure their safety and prevent exposure to potential risks amid the volatile situation.

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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