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Yoga and Modern Science Converge at Swami Rama Himalayan University International Conference

Published on: March 18, 2026

Doiwala- The second day of the International Conference organized by the School of Yogic Sciences at Swami Rama Himalayan University (SRHU) Jollygrant, witnessed insightful deliberations on the integration of Yoga with modern scientific approaches. The event followed a well-structured blend of scientific inquiry and spiritual understanding, attracting eminent scholars and practitioners from across the globe.

The first session centered on crucial themes such as mental health and neuroplasticity. Renowned experts including Dr. B. N. Gangadhar, Prof. Christopher Chapple, Dr. Prakash Keshavaiah, and Prof. Anand Balayogi Bhavanani presented their research, emphasizing the scientific relevance and therapeutic potential of Yoga. The session was chaired by Dr. Sunil Saini and Dr. Prakash C. Malashe.

The second session featured a high-level panel discussion that brought together leading experts such as Dr. Ramesh Bijlani, Dr. Vijendra D. Chauhan, Dr. Shashi Bala, Yogacharya Anandhi Mary Seal, and Dr. Rakhi Khanduri. The discussion explored diverse perspectives and underlying contradictions within Yogic practices, offering a balanced academic dialogue. The session was chaired by Dr. Ashu Grover and Prof. Ashok Kumar Devrari.

In the third session, speakers including Dr. Madhu Vajpayee, Tina Cartwright, Dr. Akshay Anand, Dr. Monica Pathania, and John Sellinger shared valuable insights into the healing effects of Yoga. The session was conducted under the guidance of Dr. Suresh Lal Barnwal, Dr. Anurag Rawat, and Dr. Rajeev Mohan Kaushik.

The conference concluded with a dignified valedictory session where Dr. Sandeep Kumar Singh presented a comprehensive summary of the key findings and discussions.

Addressing the gathering, Vice Chancellor Dr. Rajendra Dobhal highlighted Yoga as a scientific and holistic way of life, while conference mentor Dr. Ashok Devrari elaborated on the academic vision and future scope of Yogic sciences.

The Principal of the School of Yogic Sciences, Dr. Rudra Bhandari, delivered the vote of thanks, and Organizing Secretary Dr. Subodh Saurabh Singh formally concluded the proceedings.

The event saw participation from distinguished attendees including Dr. Mala Tripathi, Dr. Ankit Kumar, Dr. Saloni Malik, Dr. Garima, Dr. Shivom Acharya, Anuradha, Vijendra Dwivedi, and Kajal, among others. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to promoting Yoga as a powerful tool for societal well-being.

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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.