Srinagar, August 15, 2026: Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) today celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour and enthusiasm. Director SKIMS & EOSG, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, hoisted the Tricolour at the SKIMS campus in the presence of senior administrative officers, faculty, staff and students.
The celebrations featured an impressive march-past by SKIMS Security and the CRPF Battalion, followed by a vibrant cultural programme presented by school children, adding colour and patriotic spirit to the occasion.
The event was attended by senior administrative officers, faculty members and employees of SKIMS, including Medical Superintendent SKIMS, Prof. Farooq A. Jan; Additional Director SKIMS, Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Mir; Director Finance, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Wani.
Addressing the gathering, Director SKIMS, Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, said that the transformation of SKIMS represents an important milestone in the journey of Viksit Bharat, with the institution emerging at the frontline of excellence in specialised healthcare, academics, research and human resource development.
Highlighting the institution’s progress over the last two years, Prof. Ganie said SKIMS has witnessed unprecedented growth across multiple domains. Expansion and modernisation of infrastructure, decentralised governance, strengthening of specialised patient care and development of Centres of Excellence for producing highly skilled human resources have remained at the core of SKIMS’s functioning.
He expressed gratitude to the Government of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir for its continued support in advancing several key initiatives at the institution.
Referring to recent milestones in highly specialised healthcare, Prof. Ganie highlighted the first successful matched unrelated donor (MUD) stem cell transplant and swapped kidney transplantation at SKIMS, saying these achievements underline the institution’s growing capabilities in delivering advanced and specialised patient care.
He said his focus has remained on holistic, compassionate and patient-centric care, with initiatives such as a special Tulip Garden visit for paediatric oncology patients, round-the-clock medical services for Amarnath Yatra pilgrims and awareness programmes under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan forming an integral part of this approach.
On academics and research, the Director said SKIMS has demonstrated continued vibrancy through the organisation of national and international conferences, CMEs and academic programmes on critical and emerging healthcare issues. He said publications from SKIMS in prestigious international journals, including The Lancet and Nature, reflect the growing research calibre and academic strength of the institution.
Prof. Ganie also expressed gratitude to Chief Secretary J&K, Shri Atal Dulloo, for his continued support and for facilitating several important initiatives at SKIMS. He particularly referred to the recent holding of the Standing Finance Committee (SFC) meeting at the SKIMS campus for the first time, describing it as a significant institutional milestone.
The Director appreciated the dedication and contribution of every employee of SKIMS, saying that the institution’s transformation is the result of collective effort and a shared commitment to building SKIMS as a premier Centre of Excellence in healthcare, education and research.
The celebrations concluded with a colourful cultural programme presented by the students of IDPS Budgam.
An award ceremony was also held to recognise and appreciate the efforts of staff involved in the successful conduct of the Independence Day celebrations.
The senior faculty SKIMS which was part of the award ceremony included HOD Radiology Prof. Irfan Robbani Gastroenterology, Prof. Mushtaq Ahmad; Prof. Feroz Shaheen; H.O.D Neurosurgery Prof. Sarabjit Singh, HOD Biochemistry Prof. Syed Mudasir, HOD Gynaecology & Obstetrics, Prof. Cimona Lindhana; HOD
