KATRA: The First year students, 2025 batch of Bachelor of Architecture Degree program of School ofArchitecture & Design (SoALD) of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University have visited the PilgrimTown of Katra to study the architectural & planning values under the supervision of Ar.Aditya Kumar Singh, Associate Professor, SoALD.

The study tour has been duly supported &cooperated by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB). The officials of SMVDSBhave guided the students to appreciate the architecture, specifically of the Spiritual GrowthCentre, Sports Complex & Niharika Bhawan Complex. Apart from the appreciation ofbuildings, the students also have perceived the socioeconomic activities of the town therebyexploring how a living pilgrimage creates the habitat image & ekistics of the town.

Thetour has been successfully coordinated by the Design studio coordinators, Ar. Aditya KumarSingh, Associate Prof. & Ar. Abhiney Gupta, Assistant Prof., SoALD.Such educational tour gives an awareness opportunity to the students of architecture duringthe guided exposure to the existing built environment. Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble-Vice Chancellor, SMVD University has always been a constant encouraging source for sucheducational tours of students for their exposure to the physical world that enhances theirprofessional skills.

With such inspiring leader, it is pertinent to mention that SMVDUniversity has been constantly imparting the quality higher technical education since 2004and has achieved 23 rd NIRF 2025 rank in Architecture among the approximately 400 schoolsof architecture across the country.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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