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Autism Awareness Week Celebration at HIMS, SRHU (1st–3rd April 2026)

Published on: April 3, 2026

The Department of Pediatrics at Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences (HIMS), SRHU, successfully organized Autism Awareness Week from 1st to 3rd April 2026. The initiative brought together academic engagement, community outreach, and clinical services to promote awareness, early identification, and timely intervention for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

The celebration featured a poster presentation competition involving MBBS students and postgraduate residents, who showcased informative and creative work on various aspects of autism, including early signs, management strategies, and the importance of early intervention. The presentations were evaluated by a distinguished panel comprising Principal HIMS, Dr. (Prof.) Ahamadulla Shariff, Head of the Department of Pediatrics, Dr. (Prof.) Anil Rawat, along with faculty members Dr. (Prof.) Ashish Simlati, Dr. Nitika Agrawal, and Dr. Jyoti Walia. The activity was facilitated by senior resident Dr. Chandni and junior resident Dr. Rahul Tandon.

A community outreach programme conducted at CHC Shyampur was led by Dr. (Prof.) Alpa Gupta and Dr. Neerul Pandita, along with senior residents Dr. Rijul Tayagi and Dr. Pradeep. The sessions focused on spreading awareness among parents and caregivers, emphasizing early warning signs, available support systems, and the importance of timely medical consultation, along with addressing common concerns and misconceptions.

In collaboration with RDI, a sensitization workshop for ASHA workers was conducted by pediatric consultants Dr. (Prof.) Alpa Gupta, Dr. Sanober Wasim, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, and Dr. Neerul Pandita. The workshop aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of ASHA workers in identifying developmental delays and screening for autism at the community level. It included interactive discussions, practical guidance, and orientation to multidisciplinary services such as the Learning Disability (LD) Clinic, Speech Therapy Department, and Psychology Department.

A free autism screening camp was also organized in the Pediatric Outpatient Department (OPD). The screening was conducted by Dr. (Prof.) Alpa Gupta, Dr. Mandeep Khalsa, Dr. Talha Rehman, and Dr. Sonam Agrawal, along with senior residents Dr. Malika and Dr. Nancy, and junior resident Dr. Ananya. Children suspected of developmental delays were assessed using standard screening tools, and parents were counselled regarding further evaluation and intervention.

Overall, Autism Awareness Week at HIMS, SRHU served as a comprehensive and impactful initiative, successfully integrating academic excellence, community engagement, and clinical services. The programme significantly contributed to enhancing awareness, building capacity among healthcare workers, and promoting early detection and intervention for autism.

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International Endowed Chair Professor

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.