Farewell and Retirement Ceremony in Honor of Professor Mukesh Kumar Mandhan Organized by the Institute of English, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur

Farewell and Retirement Ceremony in Honor of Professor Mukesh Kumar Mandhan Organized by the Institute of English, Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur
Press Release
21-4-2026
A memorable and emotionally charged farewell and retirement ceremony was held at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, under the auspices of the Institute of English. The event was organized to bid farewell to Professor Mukesh Kumar Mandhan, a distinguished scholar and beloved teacher, who retired prematurely—two years before the completion of his superannuation period. The ceremony celebrated his remarkable contributions to academia, particularly in the fields of World Literature, American Literature, and Classical Poetry.
The ceremony was presided over by the Vice Chancellor of SALU, Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, and graced by veteran educationist Professor Ghulam Hussain Manganhar as the Chief Guest. The proceedings were efficiently and gracefully conducted by Madam Faryal, while Madam Hira delivered the formal vote of thanks at the conclusion of the program.
The event was attended by a galaxy of eminent academicians and scholars, including: Professor Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Mashori, Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Languages; Syed Zulfikar Shah, Director of the Institute of English; Professor Syed Zafar Ali Shah; Professor Rubina Araieen; Professor Dr. Insaf Ali Siming, Head of the Department of English at QUEST Nawabshah; Professor Dr. Ishfaque Abbasi of IBA Sukkur University; and Professor Ikhtiar Ghumro, President of SALUTA (Shah Abdul Latif University Teachers Association). Other notable speakers and scholars who paid glowing tributes included Ibrahim Khokhar, Professor Hassan Shaikh, Ma’am Paras Niaz Rasheed Soomro, Saifullah Gilal, Zubair Chachar, Aizaz Soomro, Adnan Memon, and several faculty members and students.
The program commenced with traditional welcome and recitation. One after another, speakers rose to highlight Professor Mandhan’s dedication, scholarly depth, and inspirational role as a mentor.
Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor Dr. Yousuf Khushk, while presiding over the event, remarked that Professor Mandhan had always upheld the highest standards of teaching . “His deep knowledge of American Literature and Classical Poetry has left an indelible mark on the Institute of English. We are proud to have had such a passionate educator among us,” he said.
Professor Ghulam Hussain Manganhar, the Chief Guest, described Professor Mandhan as “a rare gem in the realm of literary studies who made World Literature and Classical Poetry accessible and enchanting for generations of students in Sindh.” He praised his unwavering commitment to academic excellence even during challenging times and noted that his early retirement was a great loss to the university but a well-deserved rest for a tireless scholar.
Dean Professor Dr. Ghulam Mustafa Mashori lauded the retiring professor’s role in enriching the curriculum and fostering critical thinking among students. “Professor Mukesh Kumar has been a bridge between Eastern and Western literary traditions,” he observed. Director of the Institute of English, Syed Zulfikar Shah, thanked Professor Mandhan for his long and fruitful association with the Institute and highlighted his contribution in organizing literary seminars and poetry sessions that brought national and international scholars to SALU.
Professor Dr. Insaf Ali Siming (QUEST Nawabshah) and Professor Dr. Ishfaque Abbasi (IBA Sukkur) both recalled collaborative academic endeavors and described Professor Mandhan as a “true intellectual who always promoted interdisciplinary dialogue between literature and society.” Professor Ikhtiar Ghumro, President of SALUTA, paid homage on behalf of the teachers’ community, saying, “Sir Mukesh Kumar has been a role model of integrity and scholarly pursuit. His departure leaves a vacuum that will be hard to fill.”
Other speakers added personal and touching notes. Ibrahim Khokhar remembered Professor Mandhan’s encouraging attitude towards young researchers and presented a poetic tribute recalling beautiful memories of his classroom teachings. Professor Hassan Shaikh spoke about his mastery over Classical Poetry and how he made Milton, Shakespeare, and ancient epics come alive in the classroom. Ma’am Paras Niaz, Professor Tanveer Mangnejo, Professor Rasheed Soomro, Saifullah Gilal, Zubair Chachar, Aizaz Soomro, and Adnan Memon shared anecdotes of his kindness, humor, and rigorous academic mentoring.
Students and teachers presented beautiful poetic tributes in both English and Sindhi, expressing gratitude and admiration. Students delivered heartfelt speeches, performed soul-stirring songs, and enacted meaningful tableaus that depicted Professor Mandhan’s journey as a teacher and scholar. The performances were widely applauded and brought tears to many eyes.
In a touching gesture, Professor Mandhan was presented with a commemorative shield, along with traditional Sindhi gifts of Ajrak and Sindhi Topi by the Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest, and other dignitaries as a mark of respect and affection.
Visibly moved by the love and respect showered upon him, Professor Mukesh Kumar Mandhan expressed his heartfelt gratitude. In his reply, he thanked the Vice Chancellor, Chief Guest, Dean, Director, all faculty members, students, and the entire SALU family for organizing such a grand and emotional farewell. He said:
“I am overwhelmed by the affection and recognition I have received today. Teaching World Literature, American Literature, and Classical Poetry has been the greatest joy of my life. I consider myself fortunate to have served at SALU and to have taught such brilliant and respectful students. I may be retiring from formal service, but my association with literature and with this university will continue forever. I thank each one of you from the core of my heart and pray for the continued progress and glory of Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur.”
Madam Hira delivered a graceful vote of thanks, appreciating the efforts of all organizers, speakers, performers, and attendees. She especially acknowledged the contributions of Madam Faryal for smoothly running the proceedings of the entire event.
The ceremony concluded with the singing of traditional anthems and a group photograph of the guests with Professor Mukesh Kumar Mandhan. The event will be remembered as a fitting tribute to a scholar who dedicated his life to the noble profession of teaching and left an enduring legacy in the field of literary studies at Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur.
Media Section
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur