KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, organized a two-day workshop on “Big Data Tools and Technologies”. The workshop aimed to provide participants with practical exposure to emerging Big Data technologies and their real-world applications and covered key technologies, including Hadoop, Hive, Apache Kafka and Apache Spark, with dedicated hands-on sessions to provide participants with realistic experience in using these tools.

The workshop was coordinated and sponsored by the Transdisciplinary Research and Innovation Hub Project (RP-127) set- up under a grant from J&K Higher Education Department (JKHED). The Workshop featured two prominent resource persons Dr. Shiva Dixit from Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana, and Mr. Devashish Kumar, Founder and Director, CodroidHub Pvt. Ltd., Ambala, Haryana. Mr. Devashish Kumar conducted the sessions on the introduction and hands-on applications of Hadoop, Hive and Kafka, while Dr. Shiva Dixit delivered sessions on Apache Spark, including practical

hands-on activities. The workshop was inaugurated by Prof. (Dr.) Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, SMVDU, who addressed the participants and encouraged them to continuously upgrade their technical knowledge, develop practical skills and remain prepared for the evolving requirements of industry and future careers. He motivated the participants to keep abreast with the latest softwares and tools which will help them to shape their future career paths.

He appreciated the keen interest shown by the participants who demonstrated their overwhelming response to the interaction during the Inaugural Ceremony of the Workshop. Prof. Baijnath Kaushik, Co-Coordinator for the Workshop shared his insights on the benefits for the students by attending such technical sessions. The event witnessed continued participation in all the four Technical Sessions from 150 students and scholars of the University from diverse academic backgrounds, including B.Tech. Computer Science and Engineering; M.Sc. Data Science; MBA and Ph.D. scholars from different streams including Biotechnology.

The practical sessions enabled participants to gain a better understanding of the working and applications of Big Data tools and provided exposure to technologies relevant to data-driven industries, research and healthcare data. The workshop was organized under the coordination of Prof. Sharada M. Potukuchi (Convener), Dr. Ravi Datta Sharma (Organizing Secretary), Mr. Amit Sharma (Co-Organizing Secretary), Prof. Baijnath Kaushik (Coordinator), Prof. Sumeet Gupta (Co-Coordinator) and Dr. Rakesh Kumar (Co-Coordinator) who are also the team Members of the JKHED Project.

The organizing team coordinated the academic sessions and overall conduct of the hands-on sessions. The workshop was suitably concluded by Prof. Kumud Ranjan Jha, Dean, Faculty of Engineering in the Valedictory session who elucidated the need for organizing such valuable technical skill-based training programmes for the young students. The event also had the esteemed presence of Prof. Balbir Singh, Dean Academic Affairs; Dr. Sunanda, Head, School of Computer science and Engineering and Dr. Preeti Sharma, Head, School of Biotechnology.

The feedback of the participants was encouraging wherein they appreciated the hands-on approach delivered during the workshop, with less of the theoretical aspects and live problem based sessions which enhanced their understanding of the applications of Big Data technologies and encouraged them to apply the acquired skills in their academic projects, research projects, internships and future professional pursuits. The Valedictory session also witnessed certificate distribution and vote of thanks by Prof. Sumeet Gupta, Co-Coordinator for the Workshop.

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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