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. 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 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.
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.
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.

KR Desk