KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Kakryal, has achieved another milestone in engineering innovation as Team Crawlers (Team ID: 272070) successfully qualifiedfor the next stage of the prestigious SAE India eBAJA Competition following an impressiveperformance in the Virtual Design Round held on July 19, 2026.

The multidisciplinary team, comprising B.Tech. students from the Schools of Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics & Communication, Civil, and Computer Science Engineering, presentedthe design and engineering analysis of their All-Terrain Vehicle (ATV) before an expert panel ofSAE India judges.

The team was led by Team Captain Hritik Srivastava and Vice-CaptainAbhudai Singh under the guidance of Dr. Kapil Chopra and Dr. Amit Kumar Sinha, AssistantProfessors and BAJA SAEINDIA Coordinators.The ATV, designed for challenging off-road conditions, features a 1430 mm wheelbase, 330 mmground clearance, and a kerb weight of 170 kg. With a top speed of 65 km/h and a gradeability of77.78%, the vehicle demonstrated excellent performance capabilities.

The team also showcasedthe AISI 4130 Chrome-Moly steel roll cage and presented comprehensive Computer-AidedEngineering (CAE) analyses, including torsional, front, rear, side-impact, and rolloversimulations validated using appropriate safety factors. During the technical interaction, thestudents confidently addressed the judges' queries, reflecting their sound understanding ofengineering design and analysis.

Congratulating the team, Dr. Yatheshth Anand, Head, School of Mechanical Engineering, appreciated the dedication, teamwork, and technical excellence displayed by the students. Healso commended Dr. Kapil Chopra and Dr. Amit Kumar Sinha for their committed mentorshipand continuous guidance, stating that the achievement reflects the School's strong emphasis on innovation, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary collaboration.

The Hon'ble Vice Chancellor of SMVDU congratulated Team Crawlers, the faculty coordinators,and the School of Mechanical Engineering on the remarkable achievement.He appreciated thestudents' hard work and innovative approach and acknowledged the invaluable contribution ofthe faculty mentors in nurturing technical excellence. He expressed confidence that the team would continue to perform exceptionally in theforthcoming stages of the competition and bringfurther laurels to the University.

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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