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

AWANTIPORA: The Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) today inaugurated a two-day Training and Capacity Building Workshop on the “University Safety Programme”. The workshop is being jointly organised by the Office of Dean Outreach, Centre for Disaster Risk Reduction (CDRR), Office of the Proctor, and National Service Scheme (NSS) in collaboration with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction, Government of Jammu and Kashmir.

The workshop aims to enhance the preparedness and response capacity of the university community, particularly proctorial staff and NSS volunteers, enabling them to act as first responders during emergencies and disaster situations on campus.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil A. Romshoo, who inaugurated the workshop, emphasised the importance of preparedness and institutional resilience in educational institutions. He said that universities must build internal capacities to respond effectively to emergencies, and that equipping students and staff with basic response and life-saving skills can play a crucial role in safeguarding lives and property.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Irfan Maqbool Bhat, Coordinator CDRR, highlighted the university’s ongoing disaster preparedness initiatives. Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, said the university, through a series of such programmes, is working to build the capacities of different community stakeholders. The programme was moderated by Dr. Aijaz Qureshi, Assistant Registrar Outreach, while Dr. Waseem Qader, CDRR, proposed the vote of thanks. 

The inaugural session was attended by Deans, officials and faculty members including Dr. Kaiser J. Giri, Dean School of Engineering and Technology; Dr. Sheikh M. Imran, Chief Librarian; Dr. Tariq A. Ganaie, NSS Coordinator; and Dr. Mir Hashim Rasool, Senior Proctor.

More than sixty participants are attending the workshop. On the first day, technical sessions on Basic Life-Saving Skills and First Aid were conducted by Dr. Itinder Pal Bali, National Level Trainer with the Indian Red Cross Society, and Dr. Shalinder Kour. Tomorrow, trainers from Fire and Emergency Services, Srinagar, will conduct sessions on fire safety, prevention, and emergency response, along with practical demonstrations.

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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