KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), organized an intensive three-day workshop on Tinkering and Product Development for B. Design students. The workshop was conducted by Prof. Lalit K. Das (Former Professor, IIT Delhi), a distinguished Design Educator known for his expertise in Design Methodology, Visual Communication, and User-Centered Innovation.

The workshop aimed to strengthen students’ foundational understanding of Design while exposing them to contemporary practices used in the Design Industry. The workshop marked interactive sessions, demonstrations, hands-on activities, and tinkering with various gadgets. Prof. Das guided the B. Design students in exploring essential concepts such as, form and function, color theory, design thinking, usability, aesthetics and, system-level design approaches.

Students actively participated in the hands-on sessions, where tinkering activities through assembly / disassembly, materials, functional aspects, etc. were discussed from various perspectives. These activities enabled the students to translate theoretical learning into practical outputs and enhanced their problem-solving and prototyping skills. Faculty members also attended the sessions and appreciated the depth of insights shared by the resource person. Prof. Ankush Anand, Coordinator, Bachelor of Design program, thanked Prof. Das for his valuable contributions and emphasized that such experiential learning opportunities significantly enrich the academic journey of young designers in today’s product development ecosystem.

Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, appreciated the initiative taken for Bachelor of Design students in organizing impactful academic engagements. He highlighted that such expert led workshops contribute meaningfully in strengthening the design culture in the university. The workshop concluded with an interactive feedback session, during which students expressed gratitude for the opportunity to learn directly from an experienced design academia.

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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