SRHU Observes International Mother Earth Day Promoting Environmental Responsibility and Awareness

Published on: April 22, 2026

Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU), Jolly Grant, observed International Mother Earth Day with the objective of raising awareness about environmental protection and promoting collective responsibility towards safeguarding the planet. The programme was organized by the Research and Development Cell at the B.C. Roy Auditorium, where faculty members, researchers, and students participated in discussions highlighting the importance of sustainable environmental practices.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal emphasized that environmental conservation is no longer merely an option but a shared responsibility of society. He encouraged students and researchers to actively contribute towards protecting nature through scientific understanding and responsible actions. The keynote speaker, Dr. Baldev Raj Arora, noted geoscientist and former Director of the Wadia Institute of Himalayan Geology, described Earth as a provider of health and balance for humanity. Drawing a parallel between the Earth and the human body, he explained that just as the human body responds to temperature changes to maintain balance, the Earth also reacts to environmental changes through natural processes. Any disturbance in these processes, he noted, may manifest in the form of natural disasters.

Earlier, Director Research Dr. Bindu Dey highlighted the significance of observing International Mother Earth Day and its role in fostering environmental awareness. The event concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to protecting the planet, followed by a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Purandhi Rupmani.

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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.