Srinagar : A mega farewell function was organised at National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar on Tuesday for outgoing Director Prof. (Dr.) Rakesh Sehgal, who completed his 5 years and 5-month tenure.
According to a statement issued from Public Relations Office NIT Srinagar Prof. Sehgal joined as Director NIT Srinagar in November 2017. During his tenure NIT Srinagar achieved many milestones including improvement in NIRF rankings from 239th rank in 2019 and 66th rank in 2022.
During the function, speakers praised Prof. Sehgal for his legacy and stated that he will always be remembered for his vast contribution at NIT Srinagar.
In his farewell speech, Director NIT Srinagar Prof. Sehgal thanked teaching and non-teaching staff and colleagues for organising the grand farewell for him.
He said landing in Kashmir was one of the most difficult decisions he had ever made in his life. It was the toughest decision and with the grace of Almighty I tried my best to do justice to it.
“After convincing my family, I got full support at NIT Srinagar from all of my colleagues. I never felt that I am outside my home and Kashmir is like my second home,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said he would miss his workplace, colleagues and the people for whom he worked for more than five years.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the greatest privilege of my life. It is very difficult to leave but all of us have to go one day,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said the confidence and support that I got gave me more confidence to work with more dedication. It was a collective effort and I will remember this place in my whole life, he said.
“I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to the faculty and non-teaching staff of this great institution for their tireless efforts and support during my tenure in making NIT Srinagar a thriving centre of academic excellence,” he said.
Prof. Sehgal said he is confident that the new Director will thrive and achieve new heights of excellence and I wish him all the very best for the future.
While bidding adieu to the outgoing Director with an emotional speech, Dean R&C Prof. MF Wani Wani said Prof. Sehgal is the man of principles and would continue to inspire future generations.
“His visionary leadership, exemplary life and tireless service in making NIT Srinagar as the best institute will continue to inspire many. We will always pray for his health and safety,” he said.
Prof. Wani thanked Prof. Sehgal for his able guidance and continued support for helping the NIT Srinagar to tread the path of excellence.
Institute’s Registrar, Prof. Syed Kaiser Bukhari appreciated the services of Prof. Sehgal to the NIT Srinagar and described him as a very humble, hardworking and honest official.
“Under the guidance of Prof. Sehgal NIT Srinagar reached new heights in teaching, innovation and research during the past 5 and half years. Our institute achieved many milestones during his tenure,” he said.
Prof. Bukhari highlighted many achievements of NIT Srinagar under the leadership of Prof. Sehgal and stated that no one can replace his contribution.
“During the Prof. Sehgal’s tenure, the visibility of the institute was largely improved by organising various national and international events including workshops and conferences on the campus,” he said.
Prof. Bukhari said from academic reforms to mass recruitments at NIT Srinagar, Prof. Sehgal will be remembered for his vast and visionary guidance adding that his legacy will “guide us for years to come”.
On the occasion, Dean Faculty Welfare, Prof. G.A Harmain, Dean Academic Affairs Prof. Shameem Ahmad Lone, Dean Alumni and International Affairs, Prof. Nazir Ahmad Sheikh, Dean Planning & Development Dr. J. A. Bhat and Dean Students Welfare Prof. Abdul Liman recalled the contribution of Prof. Sehgal and termed him as one of the dedicated officers at NIT Srinagar.
Addressing the gathering, Prof. Anju Sehgal (Ex. Principal, GDC Hamirpur HP) said they have experienced such love, compassion, empathy and kindness in Kashmir and it has been a predominant experience.
“As per his habit of being workaholic, focused and delivering 100% in time, Prof. Sehgal sacrificed the best part of his life by giving our share of time too to NIT Srinagar,” she said.
Dr. Anju said Prof. Sehgal was not only a neutral administrator but full of high positive energy too.
“His dedication, devotion and brilliance shall be a role model to emulate for all those administrators who are working towards success. His academic pursuit will continue to inspire thousands,” she said.
