Published on: November 16, 2024
29th Mahasamadhi Day of Dr. Swami Rama celebrated with grandeur at HIHT
A grand event was held on the 29th Mahasamadhi Diwas of Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT (Himalayan Institute Hospital Trust). As the chief guest, spiritual guru Anandmurti Guru Maa remarked that Dr. Swami Rama, the founder of HIHT, is a heritage of the world. He was a true proponent of service to humanity.
At the ceremony, Guru Maa, Founder of Rishi Chaitanya Ashram, stated that Dr. Swami Rama established the Himalayan Institute in 1989 with the guiding principles of “Love, Service, and Remembrance.” She encouraged all present at the event to share ideas and contribute to the growth of society and the nation.
Dr. Vijay Dhasmana, member of the Trust’s executive committee, highlighted HIHT’s identity as the place of penance for Guru Swami Rama. He shared that with Swamiji’s philosophy of “Yogaḥ Karmasu Kauśalam” (Yoga is skill in action) as guiding light the institute plays a leading role in social service. He further emphasized that we continue to carry forward the legacy of Swamiji, emphasizing welfare of others first.
At the event, Radha Bhatt, president of Lakshmi Ashram in Kausani, was honored with the Swami Rama Humanitarian Award 2024. She received a gold medal, a certificate of honor, and a cash prize of rupees ten lakh rupees. Expressing gratitude, Radha Bhatt said Swamiji exemplified social service through the power of science and spirituality and has always been and will continue to be an inspiration for society. Receiving an award in his name is an honor for her she expressed.
On this occasion, 35 employees associated with the Trust were recognized with the Best Employee Award. Additionally, Swami Rama’s writings, including Samayama: The Power of Self-Transformation, WATSAN imprints of Empowerment and Transformation – From the Himalayas to the Ocean, as well as the 2025 annual calendar, were released. A community meal followed in the afternoon where attendees received prasad. Earlier, at the Swami Rama Center, homage was paid to the late founder of the Trust, Dr. Swami Rama. The vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Vijender Chauhan. The event was attended by Swami Rithwan Bharti, Head of the Swami Rama Sadhak Gram Ashram, Vice-Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal, Dr. Vijender Chauhan, Dr. Prakash Keshaviah and hundreds of Swamiji’s disciples from India and abroad.
Prof Rakesh Kumar
Prof Rakesh Kumar is the Founder and President of the Breast Cancer in Young Women Foundation (USA), dedicated to vaddressing the distinct issues affecting young women with breast cancer. He also serves as the International Endowed Chair Professor at the Cancer Research Institute of the Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences. Additionally, he holds adjunct professorships at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and Virginia Commonwealth University.
Dr Kumar earned his Ph.D. from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in 1984 and began his research career at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in January 1986. From 1988 to 2017, he held various academic and leadership positions —including faculty member, tenured professor, distinguished professor, endowed chair, department chair, and research leader—at esteemed institutions such as Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York and the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston. From 2017 to 2022, he served as the National Chair for Cancer Research for the Government of India and as a distinguished professor, continuing his innovative work in breast cancer research.
With nearly 40 years of research and professional experience, Dr. Kumar has made conceptual contributions to the field of cancer research (h-index 108, citations >50,000). He has authored over 325 peer-reviewed publications, edited or co-edited nine books, and delivered 290 invited lectures worldwide. His work has been featured on the covers of 18 major cancer journals and has been highlighted in institutional research reports of the MD Anderson Cancer Center.
A passionate educator and mentor, Dr. Kumar has guided 67 trainees throughout his career. He serves on the editorial boards of multiple leading cancer journals and has served on the editorial boards of 21 top cancer journals. His global reputation is further demonstrated by his participation in about 100 peer-review panels for cancer research funding in the US and internationally over the past 28 years.
Dr. Kumar's innovative research has earned him numerous prestigious honors, including the Hinkle Society Faculty Award at Penn State University (1994), the Dalla/Fort Worth Living Legend Faculty Achievement Award in Basic Sciences (2004), the Ranbaxy Research Award (2006), and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Indian Scientists in Cancer Research (2013), among others. Dr. Kumar's pioneering research continues to have a profound influence on the fields of oncology and breast cancer, opening up new opportunities for biomedical scientists and trainees worldwide.