SRINAGAR: The Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter), in collaboration with the Alumni Association of NIT Srinagar, Civil Engineering Students Association (CESA) and JK Green Technologies, organized a Seminar on GRIHA Certification for Green Buildings at the National Institute of Technology, Hazratbal, Srinagar. The seminar was inaugurated by Er. Aamir Ali, Chairman, Indian Buildings Congress (J&K Chapter), who emphasized the urgent need to adopt sustainable building practices in Jammu and Kashmir, given the fragile Himalayan ecosystem and rising challenges of climate change. He highlighted that GRIHA certification provides a structured framework for ensuring energy efficiency, waste reduction, and eco-friendly construction, and urged engineers and students to act as champions of green technology in their professional careers.

Dr. (Prof.) Mohammed Ashraf Shah, Dean Alumni Association and International Affairs, NIT Srinagar, welcomed the participants and announced that the seminar marked the first phase of the Alumni Back to Classroom (ABC) Program, launched by the Alumni Association. Under this initiative, distinguished alumni share their professional insights, real-world experiences and practical wisdom with students and faculty, helping bridge the academia–industry gap. The keynote experts included Er. Bashir Ahmed Dar, Managing Director JK Green Technologies and Former Secretary Technical, J&K Power Development Department, Govt. of J&K, who has been the batch topper of Electrical Engineering, REC Srinagar, 1996; and Er. Suhail Qadir, Electrical Engineer, Batch 1990, REC Srinagar, currently heading the Qatar Energy and serving as the Founder Managing Partner of JK Green Technologies.

The seminar was attended by students and faculty of NIT Srinagar, including Dr. Saad Parvez, Professor Mechanical Engineering; Dr. Shahid Saleem, Professor Mechanical Engineering and Dr. Shagoofta Rasool Shah, Professor Civil Engineering, Dr. Dasari Karthik, Coordinator CESA, Dr HS Pali, NIT Alumni Association. Also present were eminent engineers and professionals including Er. Rafiq Ahmed Rafiq, Former Chief Engineer R&B Kashmir and Er. Abdul Aziz Lone, Executive Engineer. The seminar also witnessed participation from nearly 100 online attendees across India.

Online participants included Er. Ravinder Shekher, Vice Chairman IBC (J&K Chapter); Er. Irfan Shafi Parray, Honorary Secretary IBC, Er. Ankur Nanda Treasurer IBC, Er. Muzafar A. Beigh, Asst. General Manager, BSNL, Er. Syed Shabir Rufai, Principal, SSM Polytechnic College, Adil Rashid Naqash, CAO, SSM, Er Shaista Waseem, besides other staff and students of SSM College of Engineering, Parihaspora; Government Polytechnics and ITIs; SP College; Amar Singh College and engineers from Public Works Department, BSNL, PMGSY, Irrigation & Flood Control, Power Grid Corporation of India and REW Kashmir. The experts addressed various questions raised by participants, making the session highly interactive and enriching. The seminar was coordinated by the office bearers of the Civil Engineering Students Association (CESA), including its President Sabaat Riyaz Qureshi.

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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