KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, participated in the first meeting of the PAIR (Partnerships for Advancing Interdisciplinary Research) Consortium held at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Ropar). The meeting was chaired by Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman, CEO of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). Prof. Pragati Kumar, Hon’ble Vice Chancellor of SMVDU, also attended and interacted with ANRF officials and consortium partners.

Prof. Pragati Kumar appreciated the efforts of the research team and expressed that this initiative will significantly enhance the research and development landscape of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.Dr. Ankush Raina, Principal Investigator (PI) from SMVDU, represented the university during the meeting.Under the Hub and Spoke model of the PAIR initiative, IIT Ropar serves as the Hub, and SMVDU acts as one of the Spoke institutions.

The university has been sanctioned ₹10.5 Crore in funding by ANRF to undertake cutting-edge research in the areas of 3D Printing, Materials, and Energy Storage Systems.Pertinent to mention, SMVDU is the only institution from Jammu and Kashmir to receive funding under the Category-A Institute bracket of the PAIR programme.The project will lead to the establishment of a state-of-the-art research laboratory at SMVDU, expected to greatly benefit researchers, scholars, and students in the region. It will also strengthen the local innovation ecosystem and promote collaboration in advanced manufacturing and materials research.

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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