In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

MANASBAL: The two-day national workshop on “Reimagining Higher Education Administration for Viksit Bharat@2047,” organised by the Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir), in collaboration with the Association of Indian Universities (AIU), concluded here on Tuesday.

During the workshop, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A. Ravinder Nath delivered a presentation on the Institutional Development Plan (IDP), highlighting its importance as a strategic framework for making higher education institutions future-ready. He emphasised that institutional development must extend beyond infrastructure creation to encompass academic excellence, research, outreach, human-resource development, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability.

Prof. A Ravinder Nath explained that an effective IDP should align institutional vision and priorities with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. He underlined the need for a long-term vision, supported by medium- and short-term plans, measurable targets and periodic reviews. Such planning, he noted, should emerge from wide stakeholder consultation and a realistic assessment of institutional needs, available resources and capacity gaps.

The Vice-Chancellor’s presentation also highlighted the academic and social missions of universities. He stressed that higher education institutions must create knowledge through research, disseminate it through teaching and apply it through outreach and community engagement. Emphasising access, equity, quality, affordability and accountability, he called for inclusive and holistic education that nurtures critical thinking, creativity, ethical values and social responsibility. Transparent governance, functional autonomy, quality assurance, technology integration and sustainable campus practices were identified as important enablers of institutional progress.

In his concluding remarks, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir described the workshop as a first-of-its-kind initiative for the University and expressed satisfaction that it had generated useful engagement. He said the face-to-face format provided academic and administrative officers an opportunity to interact meaningfully with experienced resource persons and exchange perspectives on issues confronting higher education administration.

He said the University would consider participants’ suggestions while planning future workshops focused on specific areas, including finance and audit, regulations and recruitment, and legal matters, grievances and the Right to Information. Earlier, technical sessions were held during which participants made detailed presentations about various aspects of the workshop theme. 

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
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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