KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, successfully organised a two-day Internal Hackathon for Smart India Hackathon (SIH) 2026 at LT-3 under the aegis of the Board of Professional Activities (BPA), with the School of Computer Science & Engineering (SoCSE) as the key coordinating School.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from more than 150 students and attendees from different Schools, departments, programmes and academic years. Students from the 1st to 4th years worked on official SIH 2026 problem statements and presented innovative, technology-driven solutions addressing real-world challenges.

The event was also supported by the student organising team comprising Shubham Saini, Naresh Kumar, Maneesh Kumar and Mukti Porwal, along with dedicated student volunteers who assisted in venue management, participant coordination, technical support, anchoring and other logistical activities.The Internal Hackathon highlighted SMVDU’s commitment to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, entrepreneurship and practical problem-solving, providing students with a valuable platform to transform ideas into technology-driven solutions and participate in SIH 2026.

The participating teams were evaluated by an expert jury comprising Dr. Swastik Gupta (SoECE), Dr. Vipal Sharma (SoCSE), Dr. Rohit Tanwar (SoCSE), Dr. Yati Agarwal (SoCE), Dr. Naveen Gondhi (SoCSE), Dr. Kamaldeep (SoEE), Dr. Yathesht Anand (SoME) and Dr. Pooja Sharma (SoCSE). The evaluation focused on problem understanding, innovation, technical approach, feasibility, presentation and the overall potential of the proposed solutions.

The jury also interacted with the teams and provided valuable feedback for further improvement.Dr. Ankush Raina, President, BPA, and Dr. Sunanda, Head, SoCSE, provided valuable guidance and support for the successful conduct of the event. Dr. Sonika Gupta (SoCSE) led the Internal Hackathon and played a central role in its planning, coordination and execution, with support from Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kotwal, Dr. Sakshi Arora and Dr. Sunny Kumar Sharma.

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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