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I will always remember Dr. Priya Ranjan not only as the Chairman of JK Monitor, but as a mentor, guide and elder brother whose kindness shaped my life and work. Write a tribute at KATRA: Students of the Design Your Degree (DYD) program, first and second year, from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, visited the Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Jammu. The educational trip was part of the Open Day celebrations at IIIM, aimed at encouraging young minds toward entrepreneurship, innovation, and research-driven growth. During the visit, students interacted with scientists and practitioners across multiple disciplines.
They witnessed live demonstrations in Plant Biotechnology, Pharmacology, Fermentation Technology, Technology Business Incubation (TBI), Discovery Informatics, Value Addition, Quality Control & Quality Assurance (QCQA), and advanced Instrumentation, including sophisticated facilities such as NMR and HPLC.A key highlight was the introduction to modern plant tissue culture techniques for conserving rare germplasm, alongside an exploration of the Herbarium where valuable specimens, seeds, and plant parts are systematically preserved.
The focus was placed on MSME entrepreneurship, startup culture, and the role of innovation in driving future economic growth. CSIR-IIIM, Jammu, is internationally recognized for its expertise in natural products and herbal drug development, blending traditional knowledge with modern validation techniques for global healthcare solutions.
The visit was facilitated under the guidance of Dr. Zabeer Ahmed, Director, CSIR-IIIM Jammu; Dr. Vidushi Abrol, TBI Division Manager; and Dr. Saurabh Saran, Sr. Principal Scientist, IIIM Jammu, in collaboration with Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean (Academic Affairs) & University Coordinator UHV-Cell, SMVDU. The students and faculty extended gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice-Chancellor, SMVDU, for encouraging such experiential learning opportunities.
The trip was led by Prof. Sharada M. Potukuchi, DYD Nodal Officer and Professor, who highlighted how such initiatives align with DYD’s philosophy of ‘explore today to shape tomorrow and master your vision.’ The DYD program at SMVDU emphasizes holistic development through assignments, projects, and field visits rather than conventional examinations, offering students a platform to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills.
