Remembering Dr MS Randhawa

It’s amazing how most people seem to know more about French architect Le Corbusier, who conceived the master plan of Chandigarh, than they do about late Dr MS Randhawa (Mohinder Singh Randhawa), who was the key figure in bringing the Green Revolution in Punjab and who gave the City Beautiful its character and soul.

This indifference is evident on the official website of Chandigarh (link: http://chandigarh.gov.in/knowchd_gen_afterle.htm), on which not much has been mentioned about the son of the soil, except for the one line that says “Dr MS Randhawa took over as the first Chief Commissioner of the new Union Territory and was chiefly instrumental in the realisation of the second phase in 1968 when MN Sharma was the chief architect.”

It's disheartening and really does injustice to the great man who was born on February 2, 1909, in Ferozepur district of Punjab, and whose indelible stamp is firmly imprinted in Chandigarh’s history. His illustrious career speaks volumes about his greatness. He was the first Chief Commissioner of the Union Territory of Chandigarh (from 1966 to 1968) and was the man responsible for the outstanding landscaping of the City Beautiful and its arboriculture. He is known to have played a key role in the realisation of the second phase of the city’s landscaping. He has to his credit many key projects that include establishing the Rose Garden in Sector 16, Government Museum and Art Gallery in Sector 10, and Punjab Agricultural University at Ludhiana.

Having worked with the best and biggest names in the Indian government, including Pt Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi, Dr Radha Krishnan and Indira Gandhi, he carved out a place in the history, leaving his footprints for the future generations to follow. In 1946, when India was about to gain sovereignty, he served as the Deputy Commissioner of Delhi. He’s the one who organised the function where Nehru gave his famous speech “Tryst with destiny” on the eve of Independence in 1947. Besides his contribution in the field of administration, he also contributed effectively in the promotion of Punjabi culture and art through his able leadership and brilliant governance.

Sadly, most people’s acquaintance with this great man, who passed away on March 3, 1988, in Kharar, is limited to his administrative works. We have a duty to celebrate this multifaceted Punjabi icon’s efforts and achievements and preserve his legacy for future generations.

Rajesh Krishan

Panchkula