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

KATRA: The School of Computer Science & Engineering (SoCSE) at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) successfully organized an Internal Hackathon, as part of the Smart India Hackathon (SIH) initiative. The event was conducted in collaboration with the IEEE Student Branch, SMVDU.The primary objective of the internal hackathon was to identify and nurture innovative student teams to represent SMVDU at the national level of the Smart India Hackathon 2025.

A total of 28 multidisciplinary student teams submitted their problem statements and proposed solutions. Shortlisted teams were invited to participate in the hackathon, where they worked intensively on real-world challenges related to social welfare, automation, sustainability, and digital transformation.The event was held under the leadership of Dr. Sunanda, Head of the School of Computer Science & Engineering, who served as the Convenor.

The organizing team included Dr. Sonika Gupta, Assistant Professor, and Dr. Pooja Sharma and Dr. Naveen Kumar Gondhi, Associate Professors and IEEE Student Branch Coordinators at SMVDU.Faculty members from SoCSE and IEEE Student Members played a pivotal role as mentors and organizing committee members, providing guidance and technical support to the participants.The internal hackathon successfully fostered a culture of innovation, teamwork, and problem-solving among students, while also promoting research and development on campus. The shortlisted teams from this event will go on to represent SMVDU in the national-level Smart India Hackathon 2025.

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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