JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Information Technology, and Transport, Satish Sharma, today inaugurated a major Stakeholders Meet on Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) at IIT Jammu.

The event, jointly organized by the Northern Region S&T Cluster (PI-RAHI) and the Jammu & Kashmir Science, Technology & Innovation Council (JKSTIC), brought together the leading voices from academia, government, industry and the startup ecosystem to strengthen J&K’s innovation landscape.

On the occasion, the Minister launched three ambitious initiatives aimed at catalyzing innovation and research in the Union Territory which included GINI, Grassroot Innovators of Northern India, Innovation Ambassadors Program and SPARK-J&K – Strategic Program for Accelerating Research and Knowledge, J&K

Satish Sharma underscored the importance of innovation in governance and sustainable development. “Science and technology are integral to the progress and prosperity of any society. The government of Jammu & Kashmir is fully committed to create an enabling ecosystem that supports innovators, startups and researchers at every level,” he stated.

Highlighting the integration of technology into public service delivery,  Sharma pointed out the synergy between science, IT and citizen welfare, especially in sectors like agriculture, health, food security and transport. He stressed that such platforms are critical to build evidence-based policy, sustainable industries and a future-ready workforce.

Scientific Secretary to the Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, Dr Parvinder Maini, applauded the growing STI capabilities of the region and called for deeper collaboration among stakeholders. Technical sessions were held on diverse topics such as AI in governance, waste-to-wealth initiatives, agri-tech and sustainable tourism.

 Senior officials including Dr. Nasir Shah (Additional Director, JKSTIC) and Dr. Jatinder Kaur Arora (Advisor, PI-RAHI) spoke on the transformative role of science and innovation in regional development. Faculty from IIT Jammu, SMVDU, SKUAST-K along with industry experts and policymakers, participated in the deliberations, reaffirming their collective commitment towards advancing J&K’s STI mission.

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