JAMMU: The first batch of the six-week training programme on "Foundation of Artificial Intelligence Technology," jointly organised by the National Institute of Electronics and Information Technology (NIELIT) and the Udhampur Campus, University of Jammu, concluded successfully on Friday at the Udhampur Campus, Village Ganai-Lotta, Udhampur.

A total of 17 students from villages across Udhampur, studying in various higher secondary schools and the Government Degree College for Women, Udhampur, successfully completed the programme. The participants received training in the core concepts of artificial intelligence and its practical applications.

Dr. Jagdish Mehra, JKAS, Joint Director, School Education Department, Jammu and Kashmir, was the Chief Guest at the valedictory function, while Sh. Rajnish Raina, Joint Director and Officer-in-Charge, NIELIT Jammu, attended as the Guest of Honour.

Addressing the participants, Dr. Mehra said that artificial intelligence is transforming education systems across the world through machine learning, image recognition and large-scale data analytics, creating new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. He observed that AI is rapidly becoming an essential skill for future education and entrepreneurship across professions. He distributed certificates of participation and IT kit bags among the trainees and assured continued support from the School Education Department for such initiatives.

Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Rajnish Raina highlighted the objective of NIELIT's skill development programmes being conducted across the country. He said that the Foundation of Artificial Intelligence Technology course is designed to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of AI, its core concepts, practical applications and emerging technologies. He informed that the curriculum combined theoretical knowledge with hands-on training in Python programming, AI-based mini-projects, machine learning model implementation, prompt engineering using ChatGPT, Gemini and Copilot, natural language processing and computer vision demonstrations, Smart City use cases, and AI productivity tools for educators.

Sharing their experiences, the participants said that the six-week programme had strengthened their understanding of data handling, Python programming, machine learning and generative AI, and would encourage them to pursue advanced learning in these domains.

Earlier, Rector, Udhampur Campus, Prof. Yash Pal Sharma, welcomed the dignitaries and participants. He expressed gratitude to Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, Prof. Umesh Rai, for his leadership in promoting grassroots initiatives aimed at modernising education. Prof. Sharma said that the successful completion of the programme reflected the commitment of the Udhampur Campus to providing quality, skill-based and future-ready education to students from rural and semi-urban areas in collaboration with national-level technical institutions such as NIELIT. He added that several similar programmes are in the pipeline and that the campus is fully equipped to meet the growing requirements of the IT sector and the emerging AI ecosystem.

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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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