Celebrating New Beginnings: Prasthanam Farewell 2025 Bids Adieu in Style

Published on: May 31, 2025

The farewell event titled प्रस्थानम् (Prasthanam) was held on 31st May 2025 (Saturday) with a strong turnout of 264 participants, marking an emotional and vibrant send-off for the graduating batch. The ceremony commenced at 10:30 AM with a traditional lamp-lighting by dignitaries, symbolizing the transition from one phase of life to another and the illumination of future paths. This was followed by a colourful cultural segment that included engaging student-led performances, such as a lively Pahadi folk dance and acts that celebrated India’s rich diversity and youthful energy.

An inspirational address by Dr. Pramod Kumar, Dean of the School of Science & Technology, formed the heart of the event. His message redefined graduation as a moment of renaissance—प्रस्थानम्—calling upon students to uphold values of innovation, integrity, and humility in their future journeys. Injecting a spirit of fun and spontaneity, the event included a series of humorous games and a highly interactive JAM (Just A Minute) session, which witnessed enthusiastic participation and laughter from all quarters.

Recognizing the individuality and contributions of students, six participants were honoured with titles including “Mr. Farewell,” “Miss Farewell,” and “Most Likely to Succeed,” adding a personal and celebratory touch to the event. The formal proceedings transitioned into a buffet lunch at 1:00 PM, giving students and faculty an opportunity to unwind, reconnect, and share memories over food and heartfelt conversations. The event concluded by 3:30 PM with group photographs and celebratory music, capturing the spirit of joy, camaraderie, and bittersweet nostalgia. Prasthanam proved to be more than just a farewell—it became a beautiful celebration of growth, memories, and the promise of new beginnings.

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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.