PAU mourns demise of prof

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 12

The senior officials, faculty, staff and students of Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) mourned the demise of Prof Darshan Singh Brar, academician, researcher and visionary agricultural development leader. Late Prof Brar was the former head, Plant Breeding, Genetics and Biotechnology Division at International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), Philippines. He was also a member of the PAU Board of Management.

Brar passed away on March 11. At present, he was serving as an adjunct professor at School of Agricultural Biotechnology, PAU.

In his condolence message, Vice Chancellor Baldev Singh Dhillon said: “Prof Brar touched countless lives as a mentor and fellow. He was a dedicated scientist and humble human being. May the departed soul rest in peace.”

RS Sidhu, Registrar, said: “Prof Brar always tried to uplift PAU by encouraging collaborations with national and international institutes. Major output of his initiatives could be assessed from double digit number of PAU students going abroad every year for pursuing post graduation.”

Navtej Bains, director of research, said: “Prof Brar contributed immensely to rice breeding programme worldwide in close association with the Gurdev Singh Khush, known as the king of rice. His immense contributions in shaping major field and horticulture breeding programmes at PAU cannot be forgotten. His presence in PAU since his return from the IRRI in 2012 can be sensed in every extra mural competitive project. He motivated the university to take molecular breeding initiative in underexplored and perineal crops.”

Prof Brar taught Plant Breeding and Biotechnology undergraduate and postgraduate students at the university. He had contributed to research projects of every student and scientists at PAU, said Dr Bains.