KATRA: The Vice Chancellor of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Prof. Pragati Kumar, flagged off a team of 21 engineering students from School of Mechanical Engineering and School of Electrical Engineering to represent the university at the prestigious SAE BAJA 2025 competition in Hyderabad. The event, scheduled from 20th - 25th Feb, 25 will witness the participation of universities from across the nation in the challenging motorsport event. Pertinently SAE BAJA 2025 is an event hosted by Society of Automotive Engineers, India.

The SMVDU team ā€œCrawlersā€, has successfully designed and fabricated an electric All-Terrain Vehicle on campus, showcasing the skills and knowledge gained through their coursework and hands-on experience.Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Prof. Pragati Kumar praised the team for their dedication and hard work, emphasizing the importance of such competitions in enhancing practical skills and fostering creativity.

ā€œThis is a proud moment for SMVDU. The team has put in an immense amount of effort, and I have full confidence in their ability to excel at SAE BAJA 2025. It’s an opportunity for them to showcase their talent on a national platform and gain valuable industry insights.ā€ as the faculty advisors of the event.  The faculty coordinators Dr. Ankush Raina (Assistant Professor, SME) and Dr. Mir Irfan Ul Haq (Associate Prof. SME) informed that SMVDU team is the only team from the UT to J&K to participate in the event. Mr. Chandan Sharma and Mr. Kewal from central workshop, SMVDU assisted the fabrication of the ATV. Prof.  K.R.Jha (Dean Faculty of Engineering and Head School of Electrical Engineering), Prof. Balbir Singh (Dean Academic Affairs), Prof. R. K. Mishra (Dean Students Welfare), Dr. Yatheshth Anand (Head, SME), Er. Deepak Byotra (Workshop Superintendent) were present during the flag off and lauded the efforts of the students.

The university community from all the departments and sections were present at the event and extended their best wishes to the team as they embark on this exciting journey and represent SMVDU on a prestigious platform. The team, led by captains Mr. Divyansh Kale and Mr. Amod Kumar, expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the university administration and all event sponsors for their unwavering support. The event was proudly sponsored by Frameinn (a start-up founded by SMVDU alumnus Mr. Dhanajya Singh), T.V. Super Filter Industries, Jammu, and Nature Fab (a start-up founded by SMVDU alumnus Mr. Piyush Singla).

Pertinently, the SAE BAJA competition is one of the most sought-after motorsport events for engineering students, where teams design, build, and test off-road vehicles that can withstand challenging terrains and demanding tasks. The vehicle, a culmination of months of research, design, and teamwork, is expected to compete in various technical and endurance challenges at the competition.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  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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