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

SRINAGAR: A weeklong Bootcamp on “Mobile Security” (February 9–13, 2026) commenced on Monday at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. The bootcamp is being organized by the Department of Computer Science and Engineering, NIT Srinagar, in collaboration with IIT Jammu. The camp is sponsored by the Information Security Education & Awareness (ISEA) Phase III Project of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India.

Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Chishti is the Convener of the bootcamp, along with Dr. Shaima Qureshi and Dr Sparsh Sharma as Coordinators. The inaugural function was presided over by Incharge Director and Dean Research & Consultancy, NIT Srinagar, Prof. Roohie Naaz.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. Manzoor Ahmad Ahangar; Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. M A Shah; Head, Department of Mechanical Engineering Dr. Mohd Hanief, Head T&P, Prof. Ajaz Ahmad Mir, Head, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Dr. Gh. Rasool Begh; Head, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Dr. Shaima Qureshi; and Dr. Sheikh Shahid Saleem, Incharge CPU, among other faculty members and participants.

Dr. Anil Saini, Senior Scientific Officer from IIT Jammu and Dr. Dhiraj, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CEERI, delivered the introductory remarks about the bootcamp on the occasion. In her keynote address, Prof. Roohie Naaz said that the five-day bootcamp aims to bring together cutting-edge knowledge, hands-on training, and real-world insights to equip participants with essential skills to address emerging mobile security challenges.

“India has over a billion mobile users, with mobile devices being widely used for critical activities such as banking, healthcare, and governance, making mobile security a national priority,” she said. Prof. Roohie added that the bootcamp will cover important topics, including secure app development, threat modeling, encryption protocols, and defence mechanisms against phishing, malware, and supply-chain attacks.

“Participants will engage in laboratory sessions, case studies based on real incidents, and expert mentoring from faculty of IIT Jammu, NIT Srinagar, and industry professionals,” she added. Prof. Roohie also expressed gratitude to MeitY for its support under ISEA Phase III, to IIT Jammu for collaboration, and to the faculty and participants for their active involvement.

Earlier, Convener Dr. Mohammad Ahsan Chishti, while introducing the bootcamp, informed that participants include students from NIT Srinagar, IIT Madras, University of Kashmir, Central University of Kashmir, Women’s College Srinagar, North Campus University of Kashmir, Amar Singh College, and other institutions. He urged the participants to make optimum use of the five-day programme by actively engaging in sessions, hands-on labs, and expert interactions to enhance their practical understanding of mobile and cyber security.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Anil Saini from IIT Jammu highlighted the rapidly evolving threat landscape in the mobile ecosystem. He emphasized that with the exponential growth of mobile applications and digital services, security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Dr. Dhiraj, Senior Principal Scientist, CSIR-CEERI, in his address, spoke about emerging trends in mobile and cyber security, including hardware-level vulnerabilities, IoT integration, and supply-chain security risks.

He encouraged students and young researchers to pursue innovation in cybersecurity and contribute to developing indigenous, secure technologies to support India’s growing digital infrastructure. A formal Vote of Thanks was presented by Dr. Sparsh Sharma, who expressed gratitude to Prof. Roohie Naaz, the Guests of Honour, Deans, Heads of Departments, and faculty members for their support and guidance.

He also acknowledged the role of IIT Jammu in collaboration with ISEA Phase III, MeitY, for sponsoring the programme, and appreciated the efforts of the organizing committee, technical staff, and student volunteers for ensuring the smooth conduct of the event.

Day 1 included the inaugural session, an expert talk by Dr. Sparsh Sharma (NIT Srinagar), a hands-on session by Dr. Ab Rouf (CAIML, SKUAST Kashmir), and a lecture on cryptography by Dr. Iraq Reshi (IUST). Day 2 will feature an expert talk by Dr. Dhiraj (CSIR-CEERI) and a demonstration on decentralized identity management by Dr. Shreyansh Sharma (NIIT University) and Dr. Anil Saini (IIT Jammu).

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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