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Delegation of Mayors from Nepal Visits SRHU to Learn About Springshed Management

Published on: April 23, 2025

Springshed management essential to tackle water crisis

A delegation of mayors from ten municipalities of Nepal visited SRHU (Swami Rama Himalayan University) Jolly Grant to learn about the initiatives being undertaken in India for springshed management. As part of this exchange programme, the mayors also shared the work being carried out in Nepal in this field.

On Tuesday, under the leadership of the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), the delegation arrived at SRHU. Addressing the gathering, Dr Vijay Dhasmana, President of SRHU, stated that the geographical features of Nepal and Uttarakhand are quite similar. Being part of the Himalayan region, both areas face common challenges such as natural disasters and landslides.

“We have much to learn from each other,” Dr Dhasmana remarked. “The springshed management work being done in Nepal should be shared with us, and likewise, you may adopt the practices we follow. This mutual exchange will benefit both countries.”

He emphasized that water scarcity is a pressing challenge and that life without water is unimaginable. He shared that the SRHU has been working in the fields of drinking water and sanitation for the past 20 years, reaching over 600 villages with clean drinking water. In addition, from the Himalayas to Ganga Sagar, the university is currently working across 31 states and union territories in the areas of water conservation, enhancement, and skill development.

Dr Vijendra Chauhan, Director General – Academic Development, highlighted the life and social development initiatives of Swami Rama, the founder of SRHU. Vice Chancellor Dr Rajendra Dobhal expressed his gratitude to the visiting delegation from Nepal.
During the technical session that followed, Mr. H.P. Uniyal, Advisor at SRHU, presented insights into springshed work being done in the Indian Himalayan Region. The delegation was also taken on a field visit to view the rainwater harvesting model established at SRHU, showcasing the technology used for year-round rainwater collection. Information was also shared about the university’s sewage treatment plant.

Also present on the occasion were Pro Vice Chancellor Dr A.K. Deorari, Principal of Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences Lt. Gen. Daljit Singh, AVSM, VSM (Retd.), Dr Sanjeev Bucher from ICIMOD Nepal, Dr Debashish Sen from PSI, Dr Rajeev Bijlwan, Nitesh Kaushik, and other dignitaries.

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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.