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

MANIPAL: The workshop on Advanced Optical Microscopy: Basics & Applications, organized by the Manipal School of Life Sciences (MSLS), Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE), Manipal,  in association with  Manipal OPTICA Student Chapter was inaugurated at MSLS on December 1, 2025 by Dr. Sharath K Rao, Pro Vice Chancellor (Health Sciences), MAHE, and Prof. Ammasi Periasamy, Professor and Founding Director, WM Keck Center for Cellular Imaging, University of Virginia, USA, in the presence of Dr. Satish Rao, Director, MSLS, faculty members, industry and academic participants and workshop organizers.

The workshop features guest lectures by distinguished speakers including Dr. Swati Sharma (Department of Pathology, KMC, MAHE), Prof. K. K. Mahato, Dr. Shama Prasada K, Dr. Manash Paul, and Dr. Vidhu Sankar Babu from MSLS, MAHE. The workshop also featured active participation from industry partners including Leica Microsystems, Zeiss, DSS Imagetech, Revvity, and Biotron Healthcare along with a virtual session to be delivered by Prof. Haim Suchowski, Founder & CTO of 3D Optix and Professor of Physics at Tel Aviv University, Israel.

The dignitaries declared the workshop open through a symbolic electronic inauguration of the Laser Microdissection (LMD) Microscope Facility and MSLS Central Instrument Facility marking a milestone in enhancing the research infrastructure across MAHE institutions. The ceremony commenced with an invocation by Ms. Chinmayi B. S. This was followed by a welcome address by Dr. Nirmal Mazumder, Convener, and Associate Professor, Department of Biophysics, MSLS, MAHE. Dr. Shama Prasada K, Convener, and Professor and Head, Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, MSLS, MAHE, presented an overview of the workshop, highlighting its objectives in strengthening foundational and advanced knowledge in optical microscopy.

In his inaugural address, Dr. Sharath K Rao encouraged participants to make the best use of specialized microscope platforms and appreciated the efforts of MSLS in promoting high-quality training in microscopy and imaging technologies. Prof. Ammasi Periasamy delivered an insightful address emphasizing the rapid advancements in fluorescence microscopy for cellular imaging and the importance of global collaborations in accelerating research in advanced microscopy.

At the conclusion of the inaugural session, Dr. Manash K Paul, Convener, and Associate Professor, Department of Radiation Biology and Toxicology, MSLS, MAHE proposed the vote of thanks.

The workshop will run until December 3, 2025, bringing together experts, scholars, and young researchers to engage in lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on sessions. The event aims to foster collaborative learning and innovation in various scientific fields under the broad domain of optical microscopy and imaging. 

About Manipal Academy of Higher Education:

The Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) is an Institution of Eminence Deemed-to-be University. MAHE offers over 400 specializations across the Health Sciences (HS), Management, Law, Humanities & Social Sciences (MLHS), and Technology & Science (T&S) streams through its constituent units at campuses in Manipal, Mangalore, Bengaluru, Jamshedpur, and Dubai. With a remarkable track record in academics, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and significant contributions to research, MAHE has earned recognition and acclaim both nationally and internationally. In October 2020, the Ministry of Education, Government of India, awarded MAHE the prestigious Institution of Eminence status. Currently ranked 3rd in the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), MAHE is the preferred choice for students seeking a transformative learning experience and enriching campus 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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