KATRA: An 8-day Online Training Programme “NEP: Orientation and Sensitization Programme” was inaugurated here today at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra under the UGC - Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre, SMVDU. This programme has been designed for 8-days from 8th – 16th June, 2026, in line with the 8 Themes of NEP 2020.

The Inaugural address was delivered by Chief Guest of the event, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU who dwelt upon the role of NEP-2020, which is founded on the five guiding pillars of Access, Equity, Quality, Affordability and, Accountability. Prof. Kumar reiterated that NEP-2020 will help in imparting holistic learning and will prepare our youth to meet the diverse national and global challenges of the present and the future.

The Vice Chancellor also highlighted the role of Faculty Members of HEI’s by participating in such programmes and stressed upon the importance of such training platforms for Faculty Members, aimed at imparting holistic education, imbibing the ideals of India-centric ethics and human values among learners. The Vice Chancellor, SMVDU congratulated the Director, MMTTC-SMVDU and Coordinators of this programme, for organising this 8-day Online training programme and extended best wishes to all the participants and resource persons of this programme under the UGC-MMTTC-SMVDU.Earlier, Prof. Ankush Anand, Director, MMTTC, SMVDU welcomed the Chief Guest, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor, SMVDU and other Guests including Sh. Ajay Kumar Sharma (JKAS), Registrar, SMVDU, Ms. Kajal Jasrotia (JKAS), Finance Officer, SMVDU and the participants during the inaugural ceremony. Prof. Anand presented an overview of MMTTC-SMVDU and the initiatives undertaken by UGC - MMTTC at SMVDU for Faculty training.

The inaugural session was also attended by the Prof. Sharada M. Potukuchi, Dy. Director, MMTTC-SMVDU and Dr. Anil K. Bhardwaj, Member, MMTTC-SMVDU and other members of UGC-MMTTC-SMVDU. The proceedings of the programme were carried out by Dr. Rashi Taggar, Associate Professor, School of Business and Co-coordinator of the  programme. Nearly 90 participants from different parts of the country have registered for this online programme.

The NEP Orientation and Sensitization Programme covers eight comprehensive themes, including Holistic and Multidisciplinary Education; Research and Development; Indian Knowledge Systems; Skill Development; Academic Leadership, Governance and, Management; Student Diversity and Inclusive Education; Higher Education and Society and, Information & Communication Technology.

The sessions by various experts will be conducted in online mode till June 16, 2026. SMVDU remains committed to foster excellence in higher education through such capacity-building initiatives, contributing to the holistic development of faculty members nationwide. Dr. Sanjay Mohan, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical Engineering and Coordinator of the programme presented the vote of thanks.

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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