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Promoting Agricultural Development in Punjab
Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization established in 2010
The Mission
The foundation’s mission is to enhance agricultural research and capacity building at the Punjab Agricultural University.
The Strategy
To contribute to the advancement of agriculture in the Punjab State by improving scientific human power. It involves:
- Providing scholarships to meritorious students of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and of Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU).
- Supporting the participation of graduate students and young faculty in national and international conferences.
- Inviting eminent scholars to deliver motivational lectures to the students and faculty of PAU and GADVASU.
- Giving awards to the Extension Scientists who transfer technology to the farming communities
The Inauguration of the Gurdev Singh Khush Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and BioTechnology, and Gurdev Singh Khush Museum
Gurdev Singh Khush Institute of Genetics, Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, and Gurdev Singh Khush Museum were inaugurated on October 16, 2023, by the Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Punjab, Shri Gurmeet Singh Khuddian. During his presidential address, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, Vice-Chancellor of PAU, highlighted Dr. Khush’s contributions towards world food security. Also present were Deans, Directors, Faculty members, and students of PAU. Distinguished guests included Dr. SS Johl, Dr. Deepak Pental, Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, Dr. Gurbachan Singh, former Chairman of the Agricultural Scientists Recruitment Board, and Dr. Sukhpal Singh, Chairman Punjab State Farmers’ Commission. Dr. Khush expressed sincere thanks and gratitude to PAU, and Department of Biotechnology, Govt. of India, for establishing the institute. He also thanked late Dr. Darshan Singh Brar for his initiative and support of PAU officials. He thanked architect Surinder Singh Sekhon for designing the museum.
Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Awards
←Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Award in Agriculture-2024 was presented to Dr. Parveen Chhuneja, Director of the Bio-Technology Center of the Punjab Agricultural University. The award is conferred for her outstanding contributions in introgressing more than 30 genes for disease resistance and a number of other QTL/genes for quality traits and heat tolerance into cultivated wheat genotypes. The international wheat gene catalog has designated and included five rust resistance genes. Dr Chhuneja contributed to developing eleven wheat varieties, of which four carry the alien gene introgressions identified by the team she led. Genes and specialized genetic stocks she developed are used extensively in national and international wheat breeding programs. Dr Chhuneja’s contributions to research in wheat improvement are reflected in her 157 research publications in national and international journals. She has won many national and international awards for outstanding contributions, including Fellowships in two science academies, NASI and NAAS. Her contributions to genomics, gene mapping, introgression of alien genes, and training a new generation of researchers are noteworthy.
←The Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Young Scientist Award-2024 was awarded to Dr. Manpreet Singh, Senior Extension Specialist of the Punjab Agricultural University, for his outstanding contributions to strategic research in the development and commercialization of farm machinery for paddy residue management, teaching, and extension activities.
→ Dr. Faqir Chand Shukla received a Certificate of Appreciation for his exemplary contributions to Food Technology, Literature, Theatre, and Social work.
Khush Scholarship Awards and Travel Grants Recipients
The Khush Foundation held its annual function on March 19, 2024. Meritorious scholarships were awarded to undergraduate and graduate students of the Punjab Agricultural University and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University students. In addition, travel grants were given to graduate students and younger faculty members of PAU to facilitate their participation in national and international conferences.
Dr. Khush delivered presidential remarks, applauding the awardees for their hard work and outstanding academic performance. He encouraged them to strive for even greater achievements and excellence. He challenged them, “You are the future leaders of our country and have a crucial role to play in the nation’s development and prosperity.”
Dr. Khush thanked the Deans and Directors of PAU and GADVASU for selecting the scholarship awardees. He also thanked the members of the Foundation Board for their support of Foundation activities throughout the year, particularly Dr. Gurjeet Mangat and Dr. Dharminder Bhatia. Dr. Jagdeep Singh Sandhu also served as an excellent emcee as in the previous years. In addition, Dr. Khush sincerely thanked Dr. S.S. Gosal, the Vice-Chancellor of PAU, and Dr. Inderjeet Singh, the Vice-Chancellor of GADVASU, for their support and Guidance.
On December 20, 2023, the VinFuture Foundation honored four scientific breakthroughs in Hanoi, Vietnam. Gurdev received the award as an innovator from developing countries for his contributions to developing and advancing disease-resistant rice varieties that contributed to the world’s food security. The function marked the third year the VinFuture Foundation presented these prestigious awards.