JAMMU: The University of Jammu today marked a significant milestone in strengthening its academic infrastructure with the inauguration of a dedicated Academic Block for the Design Your Degree (DYD) programme. 

The Academic Block was formally inaugurated by Shri Shantmanu, IAS, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department, Jammu & Kashmir Union Territory, in the presence of Prof UmeshRai, Hon’bleViceChancellor, UniversityofJammu, Prof. Sangeeta Gupta, Dean Planning and Development, Dr. Neeraj Sharma, Registrar, Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Director CDOE, Prof. Jasbir Singh, Chief Coordinator Campuses. The inauguration ceremony was organised by the Office of the Dean, Planning and Development, University of Jammu. 

 The newly inaugurated Academic Block has been envisioned as a dedicated academic and creative space to foster innovation, experiential learning, and academic excellence. Equipped with modern classrooms and collaborative learning spaces, the block will support student-centric pedagogy, project-based learning, and interdisciplinary engagement

Addressing the gathering, Shri Shantmanu, IAS, lauded the Design Your Degree programme as a visionary and student-centric academic initiative that reflects a decisive shift in higher education. He observed that the programme has emerged as a role model for universities across the country, with several institutions drawing inspiration from its flexible and interdisciplinary framework. Describing DYD as a successful academic experiment, he noted that it places innovation, adaptability, and informed choice at the heart of learning, making education more meaningful and relevant to contemporary societal needs.

Highlighting the unique strength of the programme, Shri Shantmanu remarked that students today are privileged to have the freedom to choose and shape their own academic and professional paths. During his interaction with students of the Design Your Degree programme, he expressed satisfaction at seeing them pursue diverse pathways, including management and technology, while simultaneously engaging in skill-based and hands-on learning.

He noted that such flexibility keeps students motivated and connected to their interests, ensuring that learning remains engaging rather than routine. While appreciating the newly inaugurated prefabricated academic infrastructure, constructed within a short span and ready for immediate use, he also advised students and faculty to exercise thoughtful choices, keeping in view not only short-term goals but the long-term requirements of society in a rapidly evolving world.

The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, followed by a brief visit to the newly inaugurated Academic Block.

The inauguration ceremony was also attended by Prof. K. S. Charak, Prof. Sadaf Shah (Associate Director, SIIEDC), Dr. Jatinder Manhas (Associate Director, SIIEDC), Prof. Shallu Sehgal, Dr. Anil Gupta, Dr. Pallavi Sachdeva, Dr. Sunil Kumar, Dr. Sandeep Arya, Dr. Sakshi, Prof. Sarika Manhas, Dr. Ripu Daman Parihar, Dr. Manish Kumar, who contributed to the academic and administrative deliberations of the occasion.

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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