JAMMU: The Central University of Jammu ASTRO Team has brought laurels to the institution by winning the Best Design Award’ in the Model Rocketry category at the Model Rocketry/CANSAT India Student Competition 2025, held at Tamkuhiraj, Kushinagar, Uttar Pradesh.

The four-day grand finale was organized by the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Astronautical Society of India (ASI). It is one of India’s largest student-led space competitions, aimed at promoting innovation and practical exposure in aerospace design and development.

This year’s event witnessed the participation of 71 student teams, comprising around 600 studentsfrom premier institutions across the country. Among them, 35 teams competed in Model Rocketryand36 teams in the CANSAT category. The competition encouraged students to design, develop, and launch model rockets capable of deploying miniature satellites at an altitude of approximately 1.5 km.

Expressing pride in the achievement, the CU Jammu ASTRO Team stated that the Best Design Award recognizes their innovative design approach, team synergy, and technical excellence in rocket structure and payload integration.

The participation was made possible through the encouragement and continuous support of the Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, Prof. Sanjeev Jain, who motivated the students to actively engage in national-level competitions. Prof. Jain also appreciated the team upon their return for winning the Best Design Award and making the entire university proud by representing CU Jammu and excelling at the national stage.

The teams were supervised by Prof. Rakesh Kumar Jha, Faculty Coordinator from the Satish Dhawan Centre for Space Sciences, Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering. Each team—CANSAT and ROCKETRY—comprised eight students from B.Tech. ECEand B.Tech. ECE (Avionics), mentored by Dr.Misbah Shafi and Dr. Haneet Kour.

The event was inaugurated by Sh. Shashank Mani Tripathi, Hon’ble Member of Parliament (Deoria), who emphasized that such initiatives nurture scientific curiosity and promote regional engagement in space technology. The valedictory ceremony was graced by Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, who inspired participants with his motivational address on India’s growing space ambitions.

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