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

NEW DELHI: Renowned Sufi singer Jyoti Nooran from Punjab State will be honoured with the ‘Viksit Bharat Sufi Singer Award–2026’ by the Aligarh Literature Festival Trust for her distinguished contribution to Sufi music and Indian cultural heritage. The award will be presented at a special ceremony to be organised in New Delhi in October 2026. The announcement was made on Sunday by Prof. Jasim Mohammad, Managing Trustee, Aligarh Literature Festival.

Prof. Mohammad said Jyoti Nooran had given Sufi music a distinctive contemporary voice through her powerful vocals and unique singing style, taking the tradition to audiences not only across India but also internationally. Her music, he said, conveys enduring values of spirituality, love, harmony, brotherhood and humanity. “Artists such as Jyoti Nooran play an important role in connecting India’s rich cultural heritage with the younger generation,” Prof. Mohammad said.

He emphasised that the idea of ‘Viksit Bharat’ extends beyond economic and technological advancement to include the preservation, promotion and enrichment of India’s art, literature, music and cultural traditions. “With this broader vision, the Aligarh Literature Festival is undertaking initiatives to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions in diverse fields of culture and creativity,” he said.

Managing Trustee ALF Prof. Jasim Mohammad noted that Sufi music represents an important strand of India’s cultural tradition, carrying a message of love, peace, harmony and humanity. Jyoti Nooran, he said, had taken this tradition to a wider audience through her distinctive artistry and powerful performances.

The Aligarh Literature Festival has been working to create a national platform for dialogue and recognition in the fields of literature, art, culture and music. Its forthcoming edition is expected to bring together prominent writers, artists, musicians and cultural personalities from across the country. The ‘Viksit Bharat Sufi Singer Award–2026’ to Sufi Singer Jyoti Nooran is being seen as a tribute to the enduring legacy of Indian Sufi music and its continuing relevance in contemporary cultural life.

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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