KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) proudly announces that Mr. Harsh Raj, a final-year student of the School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, has been conferred with the prestigious “Emerging Talent in Open Source” award at the National FOSSEE Awards 2025 (Edition 02), organized by FOSSEE, IIT Bombay.

This national-level honour recognises Harsh’s exceptional contributions to open-source development under the FOSSEE (Free/Libre and Open-Source Software for Education) project, an initiative of the Ministry of Education, Government of India, under the National Mission on Education through ICT (NMEICT).

The award ceremony was held at Prof. B. Nag Auditorium, Victor Menezes Convention Centre, IIT Bombay.In addition to this achievement, Harsh Raj, along with his teammates from SMVDU, recently won the IEEE YESIST12 2025 Prelims and will represent India at the IEEE YESIST12 2025 Grand Finale in Malaysia later this year. SMVDU extends heartfelt gratitude to the FOSSEE team, especially Prof. Kannan M. Moudgalya, Mr. Rajesh Kushalkar, and the organising committee at IIT Bombay, for honouring and encouraging young innovators nationwide.

Vice-Chancellor Prof. Pragati Kumar congratulated Harsh Raj on this remarkable achievement, stating, “This recognition is a proud moment for SMVDU and reaffirms our commitment to fostering academic excellence, research, and innovation." The university wishes Harsh Raj continued success in his future endeavours and looks forward to more such exemplary accomplishments by its students

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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