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Dr Kharak Singh – Living Symbol of a True
and Humble Sikh –
Dr Khem Singh Gill*
I have known Dr Kharak Singh Mann, Ex-Professor of Agronomy,
Government College of Agriculture, Ludhiana, Punjab since
1947 even though, I did my B Sc Agriculture from the Khalsa
College, Amritsar, at that time. The subject of Agronomy
was not considered as a science subject like Chemistry
/ Physics / Botany / Zoology or even Soil Science at that
time. Dr Kharak Singh really revolutionized the teaching
and research in Agronomy at the College of Agriculture
by his deep knowledge of Agronomy and skillful transfer
of this knowledge to the students. He was a patient listener
of students’ problems and advised them in their
personal / family difficulties. He was known to be a Gentleman,
Composed, Systematic, Impartial, Bipartisan and yet a
Firm Teacher. He gave a lot of importance to Practical
Field Work and ensured that all the students not only
comprehended the theoretical basis of Agricultural Operations
and Crop Production but also carried out the same with
skill and efficiency. He encouraged the students to visit
the Experimental Farm for Practicals on Sundays / Holidays
/ early odd hours on working days. He provided the facilities
for the same and would often be present at the Experimental
Farm himself.
Dr Kharak Singh was one of the few top teachers at the
college and, of course, was the Best Teacher of Agronomy.
His lrge, limpid and Shining Eyes reflected his Intellect
which energized the students and staff to Dream and then
Empowered them to realize their goal. As a result, many
students took risk and were able to secure admissions
in foreign universities for higher studies by defying
the obstacles – social and financial. All the students
and staff of the College were held in awe by virtue of
his Ability and Humility.
Dr Kharak Singh Mann left the Government College of Agriculture
and joined the Directorate of Agriculture, Punjab, at
Chandigarh and then the Haryana Department of Agriculture,
where he rose to the position of Joint Director of Agriculture.
By virtue of his Capabilities and Experience, he was picked
up by the FAO of the UNO for the Development of Agriculture
at the International Level. He had a very successful tenure
at the FAO of the UNO.
After retirement from the FAO, he was drawn to serve Sikhism
at the International Level by Sikh Intelligentsia –
a cause he strived for with great humility till his demise.
He was engaged in spreading the Values of Sikhism at the
National and International levels. He was a Living Symbol
of a True and Humble Sikh.
May the Almighty God Provide a Permanent Abode to Dr Kharak
Singh Mann at His Divine Home.
