JAMMU: A second open house took place at the University of Jammu for its flagship Design Your Degree (DYD), an innovative four-year undergraduate program, on 16th May 2025. An engaging open house with prospective students and their parents was held, where they interacted directly with mentors and students of the senior batch.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Honble’ Vice Chancellor, addressed the gathering and reassured each participant about how this DYD is going to be the future of the country when implemented across India in the right spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. He stressed how the world out there is looking forward to prepared minds with Mathematical, Analytical, Communication, Creativity, and Critical Thinking skills. Prof. Alka Sharma, Director SIIDEC, addressed the gathering and opened the house for a to-and-fro interaction between all the stakeholders.

The program was coordinated, and a detailed presentation was made by Prof. Sadaf Shah, Associate Director, SIIDEC. She outlined the program curriculum, admission process, and compared how this program is unique and different from traditional degree courses. Prof. K.S. Charak, Prof. Anil Gupta, Dr Jatinder Manhas, Dr Sandeep Arya, Dr Shallu Sehgal, Dr Sunil Bhougal, Dr Sandeep Singh, Dr Pallavi Sachdeva, Dr Chinmoyee Maharana, Dr Ripu Daman Parihar, Dr Sarika Verma, Dr Manish were the mentors of DYD present during the interactive session with the parents and prospective students.

The soul of this innovative four-year undergraduate program, the Design Your Degree (DYD) program, is “Educate to Empower, Teach to Transform, Learn to Lead”. This program is interdisciplinary and emphasizes skills in 1st two years, which is completely aligned with NEP 2020. In the last 2 years, the students will choose the subject of their choice and design their own degree in the true spirit of a bachelor’s degree in B.A/B.Sc./B.Com./ B.Tech. IT etc. The next and last open house is scheduled on 30th May 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
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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