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

KATRA: A student research team from the Department of Civil Engineering at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) has clinched the prestigious Best Paper Award at the 2nd International Conference on Advances in Sustainable Research for Energy and Environmental Management (ASREEM 2.0), held from May 15-17, 2026, at Sardar Vallabhbhai National Institute of Technology Surat.

The prestigious mega event was officially inaugurated by the Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Harsh Sanghavi, who attended as the Chief Guest. Adding to the academic triumph, the team has also successfully filed a design patent for their unique structural innovation.The core student team, comprising Samaira Sinha, Rishabh Kumar, Shubham Kumar Singh, and Aniket Rawat, was recognized for their groundbreaking research paper titled, "Design of eco-friendly bricks using ceramic waste and fly ash."

The paper was presented by Samaira Sinha on behalf of the team in online mode.. Their work introduces an innovative construction matrix that replaces natural river sand with crushed ceramic waste (5% to 20%) and substitutes cement with a cost-effective, lime-activated Class F fly ash binder. The international evaluation committee highly praised the project for its structural precision, environmental engineering rigor, and real-world scalability, which backed their decision to protect the unique brick geometry and composition through a formal patent filing.

The students credited their academic success entirely to their mentor, Dr. Vaibhav Sapkal, Assistant Professor at SMVDU, praising his strategic guidance and expertise in green technology. Dr. Sapkal commended the students' dedication, noting that their intensive laboratory efforts successfully brought this green infrastructure vision to life. The core team also highly acknowledged the valuable research contributions made by co-authors Aditya Verma, Hitesh Bhakhari, Priyanshu Saini, and Durgesh Kumar in bringing the project to fruition.Dr. V. K. Dogra, Head of the Civil Engineering Department, congratulated the team 

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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