The Department of Pathology at the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, successfully organized a prestigious three-day national workshop from October 8th to 10th, 2026, in academic collaboration with the Tata Travelling School of Oncopathology (TTSOP). Conceived under the auspices of the Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), Mumbai, TTSOP functions as an elite educational outreach initiative committed to advancing oncological pathology across regional institutions. 

The workshop effectively operationalized the strategic "Hub-and-Spokes" educational pattern, wherein premier national centers of excellence (the Hubs) systematically transfer advanced subspecialty expertise, standardized diagnostic protocols, and quality assurance criteria to regional medical centers (the Spokes), thereby standardizing diagnostic rigor and empowering local healthcare ecosystems. This landmark academic assembly convened distinguished faculty, resident scholars, and laboratory technical personnel from institutions across Jammu and Kashmir to foster continuous professional development, hands-on masterclasses, and interdisciplinary collaboration. 

The scientific proceedings were significantly elevated by the presence of eminent national and international guest faculty, including Prof. Sripad D. Banavali (Professor of Medical and Pediatric Oncology, TMH Mumbai), Prof. Subhash Yadav (Professor of Pathology, ACTREC TMC Mumbai), Prof. M. C. Sharma (Former Professor and Head of Neuropathology, AIIMS New Delhi), and Prof. S. V. Kane (Consultant Oncopathologist, Jaslok Hospital, Mumbai). 

Over three intensive days, the workshop delivered high-impact academic modules comprising live surgical specimen grossing sessions emphasizing meticulous sampling techniques, resident-led Multidisciplinary Tumor Board (MDT) integrating clinical, radiological, and histopathological data for comprehensive patient management, live microscopy masterclasses and slide discussions addressing complex diagnostic dilemmas, and competitive oral and poster scientific presentations by postgraduate residents. 

Marking a historic milestone, a dedicated Technologists’ Workshop was conducted simultaneously for the first time, offering specialized, hands-on training in advanced histopathology, cytology, and hematology laboratory techniques. 

The grand inauguration was solemnly solemnized by Prof. (Dr.) M. Ashraf Ganie, Worthy Director of SKIMS, our guest of honour who commended the organizing team and expressed deep satisfaction with the program's vision, scale, and transformative academic impact. Delivering the keynote perspective, Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) Asim Ali Khan, President of the Board of Unani, Siddha, and Sowa-Rigpa under the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM), Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, emphasized the vital necessity of collaborative multi-system diagnostic programs to enhance diagnostic accuracy and integrated patient care. 

Dr. Fazal Qadir Parray, Dean SKIMS Soura , also graced the occasion as Co-Patron, lauding the flawless organization and high academic caliber of the event. Central to the resounding success and seamless execution of this monumental event was the tireless 

dedication and visionary leadership of Organizing Chairperson Prof. Syed Besina Yasin and Organizing Secretary Prof. Rumana Makhdoomi. Through their meticulous planning, academic foresight, and pivotal management, they orchestrated every aspect of the three-day proceedings with extraordinary precision. Their immense contributions in curating a comprehensive scientific module, fostering national collaborations, and creating an inclusive platform for both doctors and technical staff served as the backbone of the entire workshop. 

In a poignant highlight of the ceremony, Prof. Azra Shah, Former Head and Professor of Pathology at SKIMS Soura, was conferred with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her monumental, lifelong contributions to academic pathology. 

The event culminated in a celebratory valedictory session where postgraduate residents were awarded for excellence in oral and poster presentations, and the laboratory technical staff

was 

formally honored for their invaluable technical expertise, hard work, and dedication to quality laboratory performance. 

Overall the 3 day workshop served as an excellent platform for knowledge exchange , skill enhancement, interdisciplinary collaboration and professional development .