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

JAMMU: Narayana Schools across the country celebrated the harvest festival of Sankranti/Pongal with great enthusiasm, cultural pride, and active student participation, creating a vibrant and joyful atmosphere across campuses nationwide. The celebrations reflected the school’s commitment to preserving Indian traditions while fostering holistic student development through cultural, physical, and scientific learning.

Sankranti holds a unique place among Indian festivals as it is based on the solar calendar and is observed annually on 14 January, occasionally falling on 15 January in leap years due to astronomical adjustments in the Earth’s movement around the Sun. Caused by the Earth’s axial tilt, this period marks a seasonal shift in which the Sun appears higher in the northern sky, leading to gradually longer days, which studies associate with positive effects on human energy levels and biological rhythms.

From a scientific perspective, activities such as kite flying introduce students to basic physics concepts including air pressure, lift, wind direction, and balance, while encouraging outdoor play that supports physical activity, vitamin D absorption, and emotional well-being through the release of endorphins.

The festivities at Narayana schools’ campuses began with a traditional Pooja, followed by Sankranti-themed dances and songs performed by students, celebrating India’s cultural heritage. Energetic DJ sessions added a contemporary touch, keeping the atmosphere lively.

A key highlight was the preparation and sharing of the traditional Pongal dish, reinforcing the spirit of togetherness and gratitude. From an agricultural science viewpoint, this period is closely linked to crop maturity influenced by seasonal sunlight and soil cycles, helping students better understand India’s agrarian traditions.

Students actively participated in cultural and fun-filled activities such as Ramp Walks, Pongal Preparation competitions, Rangoli, Pot Breaking, Balloon Bursting, and kite flying, symbolising gratitude to the Sun God and the gradual strengthening of sunlight after winter.

The celebrations concluded on a high note, leaving students and educators with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation of India’s cultural and agrarian traditions.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.Sindhura Narayana, Director, Narayana Educational Institutions, said, “Festivals like Sankranti and Pongal are an integral part of our educational ecosystem, as they help students stay rooted in India’s cultural and agrarian heritage while celebrating unity, gratitude, and joy. Being a solar-based festival, Sankranti also offers a meaningful opportunity to introduce students to the science behind seasonal change, agriculture, and the importance of sunlight in human well-being. Through activities such as traditional cooking, outdoor celebrations, and kite flying, students experience hands-on learning that builds physical health, emotional balance, and curiosity about scientific principles. At Narayana, we believe education goes beyond academics, it is about nurturing values, confidence, and aspirations, and empowering every child to fulfil their dreams, because at Narayana, your dreams are our dreams.”

With a legacy spanning 47 years, Narayana Schools continue to shape generations of learners by blending academic excellence with cultural values, reaffirming their commitment to holistic education across the nation.

About Narayana Schools

Narayana Schools, with over 550campuses, forms a large portion of Narayana Educational Institutions, one of Asia's largest and well-respected education groups with over 47 years of legacy in the field of education. Narayana Educational Institutions has a vast network of more than 950 schools, colleges, coaching centers, and professional colleges across 23 Indian states. It has a team of more than 50,000 highly experienced teachers, R&D Heads, and Subject Matter Experts, in addition to the non-academic staff, who help over 600,000 + students every year with their education, from kindergarten to post-graduate studies. The institution is committed to nurturing young minds from kindergarten to senior secondary studies. Their central focus remains on striking a harmonious balance between the curricular and co-curricular domains so that the students reach their full potential. Furthermore, they offer comprehensive academic programmes tailored to help students realise their ambitions in the engineering, medical, CA, and civil service streams, showcasing their firm dedication to career-oriented teaching. This encapsulates the essence of what Narayana stands for.

To know more, visit us at: https://www.narayanaschools.in/;

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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