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

SRINAGAR: In a major boost to early childhood care and education in Jammu and Kashmir, the State Council of Educational Research and Training, Kashmir Division (SCERT-KD) successfully concluded a landmark month-long training programme for more than 3,000 Aayas (ECCE Helpers) across all 10 districts of the Kashmir division.

Implemented in collaboration with the Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK), UNICEF and the Jammu & Kashmir Association of Social Workers (JKASW), the initiative is being hailed by educationists as the watershed event in the education landscape being the largest capacity-building exercise for school support staff in the region with the prospect of translating into holistic development of children. Each district trained 300 Aayas(ECCE helpers) through a phased schedule conducted between November 3 and December 9, 2025.

The officials said the training focused on equipping Aayas(ECCE helpers) with essential skills, clarity on responsibilities and an understanding of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) framework. Nearly 50 trained Resource Persons were deployed across districts after undergoing a three-day preparatory workshop at SCERT in October 2025.

The successful completion of the large-scale training marks a significant milestone in strengthening foundational learning in government schools across Kashmir. It recognises the vital role of Aayas in pre-primary classrooms and reinforces the commitment of SCERT-KD, UNICEF and partner organisations toward building supportive, child-friendly learning environments across the Valley.

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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