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

JAMMU: The Department of Home Science, University of Jammu, in collaboration with the Kitab and Kalam Foundation and the Food & Drugs Administration (FDA), Jammu & Kashmir, organized a Nutrition Awareness Session titled “Good Food = Good Mood” at the British International School, Jammu. The event marked the first on-ground activity of the Ba Dekh Rahi Hai campaign — India’s first people-driven initiative focused on food literacy, clean nutrition, and public health consciousness.

Prof. Sarika Manhas, Head of the Department of Home Science and Chief Guest at the event, underscored the importance of reaching out to children to ensure they develop the habit of eating nutritious meals early in life. She also highlighted the department’s commitment to sharing academic and research-based knowledge on child development and holistic well-being with stakeholders through various community-centric programmes.

Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, Joint Commissioner, Food Safety, J&K, and Guest of Honour, spoke about the proactive role of the Food and Drug Authority in driving nutrition awareness. He also shared details about child-friendly nutrition modules developed for different school grades to enhance food literacy in an age-appropriate manner. Mr. Pankaj Anand (JKAS), District Program Officer, ICDS, emphasized the role of ICDS in tackling malnutrition, and outlined the importance of integrated community-level efforts in addressing nutritional challenges.

Earlier, Mr. Guneet Singh, Founder of the Kitab and Kalam Foundation and the brain behind the Ba Dekh Rahi Hai campaign, shared its vision and objectives. He stressed the need for community-led initiatives to promote nutrition awareness, especially among children, families, and schools — where long-term, sustainable change begins.

Dr. Sonalika Jamwal, HMIS Manager, Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (J&K), highlighted the digital innovations being adopted under the Ayushman Bharat scheme to improve public health outreach, particularly among school-going children. Dr. Archana Bhat, Assistant Professor, Department of Home Science, GCW Gandhi Nagar, focused her presentation on the importance of the food pyramid, urging students and parents alike to adopt structured and balanced dietary practices.

A team of dedicated research scholars from the Department of Home Science — Ms. Vinish Malik, Ms. Poorvi Verma, Ms. Raziya Farooq, and Ms. Meghna Sharma — added an interactive element to the session by conducting fun, child-friendly nutrition activities, making learning both engaging and meaningful for the students. The session not only marked the beginning of an impactful campaign but also demonstrated the power of collaboration among academic institutions, government bodies, and civil society in bringing about a cultural shift in food and health consciousness.

The Principal and Trustee of British International School, Jammu, were also present and extended their full support to the initiative. They welcomed the opportunity to open their campus for such a critical dialogue and reaffirmed their commitment to holistic student development through awareness and education.

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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