Lecture by Prof Mishra

Published on: September 6, 2024

HSMS Hosts Guest Lecture on Ramayana’s Managerial Wisdom

The Himalayan School of Management Studies (HSMS), Swami Rama Himalayan University, organized a thought-provoking guest lecture on the topic “Managerial Lessons from Ramayana” on September 6, 2024. Held at Lecture Theatre 3 on the second floor of the HSMS building, the session witnessed enthusiastic participation from 49 students of MBA I and III semesters. The lecture was conducted by the esteemed Prof. Prabhu Narayan Mishra, a seasoned academician with an illustrious career, including former fellowships at Liverpool and leadership roles at IMS and HPS.

The session was convened by Dr. Gargi Pant Shukla, who warmly welcomed the guest and introduced him to the audience. Prof. Mishra opened the lecture by drawing a fascinating connection between the age-old Indian epic Ramayana and modern managerial principles. His unique approach helped students view core management concepts through the lens of cultural wisdom, illustrating how ancient texts still hold relevance in navigating today’s professional challenges.

Key themes discussed during the lecture included leadership, strategy, emotional intelligence, team dynamics, and decision-making — all grounded in the characters and events of the Ramayana. Prof. Mishra seamlessly linked these traditional insights to the modern business environment, emphasizing how timeless virtues like integrity, resilience, and vision can drive success in managerial roles.

Beyond the mythological framework, Prof. Mishra also addressed current trends shaping the corporate world. He highlighted emerging sectors, rapid technological disruptions, and evolving market dynamics that future managers must navigate. With a strong focus on employability, he advised students to stay adaptable, continuously upskill, and cultivate a growth mindset to remain relevant and successful in the dynamic world of business.

The session proved to be highly enriching, sparking curiosity and reflection among students. It encouraged critical thinking by challenging them to extract leadership and management strategies from unconventional sources. The integration of ethical perspectives and culturally-rooted knowledge added a new dimension to their understanding of business education.

The guest lecture concluded on an engaging note, leaving the students inspired and better equipped to blend value-based leadership with professional excellence. The event stood as a testament to HSMS’s commitment to holistic learning by bridging ancient wisdom with contemporary managerial relevance.

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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.