भारत के महान सपूत: डॉक्टर हरगोबिंद खुराना: जन्म शताब्दी के उपलक्ष में

 भारत के महान सपूत: डॉक्टर हरगोबिंद खुराना 

जन्म शताब्दी के उपलक्ष में 

Seema Sandesh Sriganganagar 

11.01.2022

भारत के महान सपूत, नोबेल पुरस्कार विजेता  डॉक्टर हरगोविंद खुराना (9 जनवरी 1922 से 9 नवम्बर 1911 तक) की जन्म शताब्दी पर आज हमारा शत शत नमन। 1968 में  आज़ाद भारत में विश्व का सर्वोच्च सम्मान पहली बार किसी भारतीय को मिलने से पूरे देश में ख़ुशी और गर्व की लहर दौड़ गई थी। इस से पहले 1913 में रबिंदरनाथ टैगोर को और 1930 में सी वी रमन को नोबेल पुरस्कार मिले थे। परन्तु तब भारत अंग्रेज़ों के कब्जे में था। आज उन की जन्म शताब्दी पर शायद देश उन्हें भूल सा गया है। हमें भी उन की जन्म  शताब्दी का ध्यान तब आया जब उन के पौत्र के द्वारा उन के  बारे में लिखा लेख मैंने पढ़ा।  हम अपनी भूल को स्वीकार करते हैं।   

 

जिस आविष्कार के कारण डॉक्टर खुराना को पुरस्कार मिला था उसी के कारण आज के वैज्ञानिक कोरोना जैसी बीमारी का वैक्सीन और इलाज ढूंढ़ने में कामयाब हुए हैं। सामान्य पाठक शायद उनके आविष्कार को ना समझ पायें परन्तु मैं कोशिश कर के देखता  हूँ। हर प्राणी का जन्म उस की माँ के पेट में एक बीज से  होता है जिस को उस के पिता के शुक्राणु का स्पर्श मिलता है तो जीव पैदा होता है।  इसी तरह से हर पेड़ पौधे का विकास भी एक बीज के अंकुरित होने से ही होता है।  इस छोटे से बीज में ऐसा क्या होता है जिस से इतना बड़ा जीव बन जाता है या पेड़ पौधा बन जाता है।  और फिर हमेशा आम के बीज से आम ही उत्पन होता है और नीम के बीज से नीम।  घोड़े का बच्चा घोडा ही होता है और शेर का शेर। गोरे माँ बाप के बच्चे गोरे ही होते हैं और सांवले मां बाप के सांवले।  इन सब का आधार हैं डीएनए और जीन।  हर माँ की कोख में बीज रूप   कोशिका होती हैं  जिस में एक कोड लिखा रहता है।  इसी तरह से हर बाप के शुक्राणु रूप कोशिका में एक कोड़ लिखा रहता है। बीज और शुक्राणु मिल कर एक योग बनाते हैं। इस में माँ और बाप दोनों के गुणों के कोड सम्मिलित हो जाते है।   यह कोड एक धागा नुमा रसायन पर गांठों के रूप में होता है।  हर गांठ को जीन कहते हैं और हर धागे को डीएनए।  यह गांठ और डीएनए एक तरह का साँचा है।  जिन्हों ने ईंटों का भट्टा  देखा है वह समझ जाएँगे।  वहां सब ईंटे एक जैसी ही बनती हैं।  वह इस लिए कि उनको एक ही  सांचे से निकाला जाता है। अगर आप को तरह तरह की ईंट चाहिए तो तरह तरह के सांचे बना लो। फिर इन ईंटो से चाहे आप जिस तरह का मकान बना लो।  जीन भी एक प्रकार का साँचा ही है।  जिस से जीव के शरीर की  बाकी कोशिकाएं ईंटो की तरह बन जाती हैं।  डॉ खुराना ने इसी चीज़ का आविष्कार किया था कि कैसे डीएनए रुपी सांचे से प्रोटीन बनते हैं जिस से बाकी कोशिका और शरीर बनता है।  इस क्रिया को समझने के उपरान्त धीरे धीरे  जेनेटिक इंजीनियरिंग का जन्म हुआ जिस से आजकल कई इलाज संभव हैं।  नमन है इस महान खोज को जिस के डॉक्टर खुराना  सहभागी थे।  आइये जानते हैं उनकी पृष्ठभूमि को। 

डॉक्टर खुराना का जन्म मुल्तान जिले के एक छोटे से गाँव रायपुर  में हुआ था।  यह धुल भरा  गाँव इतना छोटा था कि उन दिनों वहां केवल सौ लोग ही रहते होंगे। 9 जनवरी 1922 को  खुराना परिवार में सबसे छोटे बेटे का जन्म हुआ  जिस का नाम हरगोबिंद रखा गया। और वह शायद इस लिए कि उस दिन गुरु गोबिंद सिंह जी का जन्म दिवस और गुरुपर्व भी मनाया जा रहा था। उनके तीन  भाई और एक बहन थी जो उनसे बढे थे। परिवार शायद समृद्ध नहीं था  हालांकि  खुराना उपनाम  शायद यह  दर्शाता है कि  परिवार एक कुएं के मालिक थे और गाँव में कुआँ होना सौभाग्य कहा जा सकता है। हरगोबिंद के पिता श्री गणपत राय जी  एक पटवारी थे।  

डॉक्टर खुराना के पौत्र लिखते हैं की “हम बहुत कम जानते हैं कि गोबिंद लड़का कैसे बड़ा हुआ, हालाँकि पारिवार में ज़िक्र होता है कि वह एक शरारती बच्चा था  जो गन्ने के खेतों से गन्ना चुराना पसंद करता था।  गोबिंद का लालन पालन जिस घर में हुआ वह उन दिनों के सामान्य ग्रामीण  घर के जैसा ही था जिस के  एक कोने में एक चूल्हा चौका और कच्चा कोठड़ा था और   एक आंगन के दुसरे छोर में गायों और घोड़ों का हिस्सा था।  उस समय उनके गाँव रायपुर में   कोई स्कूल नहीं था।  आप अंदाज़ लगा सकते हैं कि  ऐसी परिस्थिति में बचपन गुज़ारने वाले बच्चे ने क्या कर दिखाया।  

असल में उनके पटवारी पिता शिक्षा को बहुत महत्व देते थे और उन्हों ने ही शिशु  गोबिंद को  अनौपचारिक रूप से प्रार्थमिक पढ़ना लिखना घर पर ही सिखाया।   आपने चार भाई-बहन समेत उनका परिवार ही गाँव में एकमात्र साक्षर परिवार था।  जैसे-जैसे गोबिंद  बड़ा होता गया, उस  ने मुल्तान के दयानंद एंग्लो-वैदिक हाई स्कूल में पढ़ाई की।  जब वह  18 वर्ष के हुए, तो उन्होंने लाहौर में पंजाब विश्वविद्यालय में प्रवेश लिया। प्रतिभावान् विद्यार्थी होने के कारण विद्यालय तथा कालेज में इन्हें छात्रवृत्तियाँ मिलीं। पंजाब विश्विद्यालय   से सन् 1943   में बी. एस-सी. (आनर्स) तथा सन् 1945 में एम. एस-सी. (ऑनर्स) परीक्षाओं में ये उत्तीर्ण हुए तथा  छात्रवृत्ति पाकर इंग्लॅण्ड  गए। वहाँ लिवरपूल विश्वविद्यालय में प्रोफेसर ए. रॉबर्टसन् के अधीन अनुसंधान कर इन्होंने डाक्टरैट की उपाधि प्राप्त की। इन्हें फिर भारत सरकार   से शोधवृत्ति मिलीं और ये जूरिख (स्विट्सरलैंड) के फेडरल इंस्टिटयूट ऑव टेक्नॉलोजी में प्रोफेसर वी. प्रेलॉग के साथ अन्वेषण में प्रवृत्त हुए। भारत में   वापस आकर डाक्टर खुराना को अपने योग्य कोई काम न मिला। हारकर इंग्लैंड चले गए, जहाँ कैंब्रिज विश्व विद्यालय   में सदस्यता तथा लार्ड टाड के साथ कार्य करने का अवसर मिला।  सन् 1952   में आप वैंकूवर, कनाडा   की ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया अनुसंधान परिषद् के जैवरसायन विभाग के अध्यक्ष नियुक्त हुए। सन् 1960   में इन्होंने संयुक्त राज्य अमरीका के विस्कान्सिन विश्वविद्यालय के इंस्टिट्यूट ऑव एन्ज़ाइम रिसर्च में प्रोफेसर का पद पाया। यहाँ उन्होंने अमरीकी  नागरिकता  स्वीकार कर ली। देश में कुछ तथाकथित बुद्धि जीवी ऐसे भी हैं जो इस बात पर प्रश्नचिन्ह लगाते हैं कि  सफल डॉ खुराना देश वापिस क्यों नहीं आये।  जब कि सच्चाई यह है कि भारत में  वापस आकर डाक्टर खुराना को अपने योग्य कोई काम न मिला। हारकर इंग्लैंड चले गए। ऐसा नहीं कि डॉ खुराना को अपनी मातृभूमि से प्यार नहीं था।  जब उन्हें विज्ञान के क्षेत्र में नोबेल पुरस्कार से सम्मानित किया गया था तो तब वह  मात्र 48 वर्ष की आयु के थे। और उस के पश्चात भी उन्हों ने बहुत महत्वपूर्ण अनुसन्धान किये।  

अगस्त 1947 में भारत आज़ाद तो हुआ परन्तु पंजाब के दो हिस्से हो गए। उस समय  हिंदुओं, सिखों को देश का वह हिस्सा छोड़ कर उस हिस्से में आना पड़ा जो शेष भारत था और कई मुसलमानों को उस हिस्से में जाना पड़ा जो अब पकिस्तान बन गया था।  इतनी संख्या में लोग बेघर हो गए और बहुत कत्ले आम भी हुआ।  हरगोबिंद  के   परिवार को भी आपने  घर, गाँव और  मुल्तान को छोड़ना पड़ा जो पकिस्तान का हिस्सा बन गया था।  माली नुक्सान तो हुआ परन्तु सौभाग्यवश  किसी जानी नुक्सान बिना उनका परिवार   भारत वर्ष में पहुँच गया। विदेश में बैठे हरगोविंद को इस सब का बहुत फ़िक्र रहा और उस के बाद वह कभी आपने पैतृक गाँव नहीं जा पाए।  वह धुल भरा गाँव रायपुर आज भी वही है, वह आँगन भी शायद वहीँ है जिस में शरारती हरगोविंद आपने चार भाई बहनो के साथ शरारते करते थे  और वह गन्ने के खेत भी वहीँ हैं जिन से गोबिंद गन्ने चुरा लिया करते थे। वह स्कूल भी अभी लाहौर में है जिस में उनहोंने   पढाई की।  शायद आज का पाकिस्तान भी इस बात का गर्व करता होगा की डॉ हरगोबिंद खुराना  का जन्म उस भूभाग में हुआ जो आजकल उनका हिस्सा है।

भारत को तो आपने महान सपूत पर गर्व होना स्वाभाविक है।  शायद उनकी सफलता के कारण विज्ञान की शिक्षा का ऐसा दौर चला कि भारत की पीढ़ी दर पीढ़ी आजकल विज्ञान  और टेक्नोलॉजी के क्षेत्र में सफलता हासिल कर रही है।  भारत के साथ साथ वह सब शिक्षा संसथान और सभी देश भी इस बात का गर्व मह्सूस करते हैं जिन में डॉ खुराना का सम्बंद  रहा जैसे  पंजाब  यूनिवर्सिटी, चंडीगढ़;  लिवरपूल विश्वविद्यालय, इंग्लॅण्ड; कैंब्रिज विश्व विद्यालय, इंग्लॅण्ड;  ब्रिटिश कोलंबिया अनुसंधान परिषद्, कनाडा; विस्कान्सिन विश्वविद्यालय, अमरीका इत्यादि। हम कह सकते हैं की डॉ खुराना विश्व के नागरिक हैं और इस तरह की शख्सीयत के कारण ही वासुदेव कटुभ्कम को हम संभव कर सकते हैं।   

सतीश कालड़ा 

बैंगलोर 

10.01.2022 

 

Gems of PAU Botany: Dr Ashok Dhawan

 My Life, My Path

Saturday, 15th August, 2020

PAU Gave me an Open, Bold Attitude

This story is long, but remember as you read it, that 68 years is not a small period!

I did an MSc from BITS Pilani, one year of Fellowship at PU Chandigarh and came to PAU. In December 1977, I completed Ph.D. with Professor CP Malik and took up a two-year Scholarship at Australian National University. These four universities laid down what I call as 'the academic foundation' for my professional career.

However, it was the environment at PAU that taught me real life lessons. I still recall, very fondly, my lively lab mates: Arvind Kapur, Iqbal Singh, Mohanbir Singh, Neeru Thapar, Rajinder Pandol, Renuka Sood, Varsha Dhingra, Prem Bhalla and Mangat Sahib.  Of course, Hargurdeep Saini, Joginder Singh, Amrik Ahluwalia, Sarabjit Singh, Dr Bhattacharya, Madam Bhattacharya and Madam Parmil made long lasting impressions of great times together. 

I was an active member of a fraternity of Basic Sciences College called “CAUCUS 77”. This group had a unique, open, and bold attitude towards life, which gave me a very different perspective. By some strange logic, the CAUCUS decided that my GPA of 4.0/4.0 was no good and made sure that I have at least one "B" grade in the last course. While I had 58/60 marks in the mid-terms, a group member tore away my notes and took me to Aarti theater the day before final exam for this course and the mission was accomplished! However, I believe, the underlying message from CAUCUS, that of a "balanced approach to life situations", brought me back to Board Rooms of PAU as “nominee of Governor of State” during 2014-16. 

Back from Australia, I joined the Faculty of HAU, Hisar as Assistant Professor in 1980 and later became an Associate Professor and a Professor. This was a productive span of 26 years of teaching and research. In 2006, I took a five-year appointment with the Government of Haryana, Department of Science and Technology, as Director, Centre for Plant Biotechnology. This was followed by a move to the Government of India, Ministry of Food Processing as Dean Academic, NIFTEM (2012-14) and finally to the Central University of Punjab as “Invited Professor” and Dean (2015-17). In 2017, I retired from the University at mandatory age of 65 and joined KamTek, a biotechnology company here in Maryland, as a Consultant. A year later in 2018, I was made a Vice President. ( https://www.kamtekinc.com/about-us-1/ ).

The opportunities to learn were in plenty all the way. I was an Exchange Scientist at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences in 1986 and a Visiting Researcher to the University of California, Davis (1998-1999, 2002). Amarjit Basra took over from where I left in Davis, and later he consolidated our work for a joint publication in ‘Planta’. Bright fellow, I did not see many points in the data, the way he analyzed. And Ranjit Basra was a graceful hostess for quite a few dinners at Davis. My pursuits took me for lectures and short visits to the University of Saskatchewan (2009), Max Rubner-Institut, Germany (2013) and Wageningen University Research, Netherlands (2013) and also as a Panelist and Lead speaker to the World Biotechnology Congress, Chicago (2008).

Our work at HAU on ‘Sugarcane Physiology’, specifically PCR based markers for early detection of cane sugar, was acknowledged by the ‘Sugarcane Technologists Association of India’ for its ‘Noel Deerr Award 2008’ conferred by President APJ Abdul Kalam.  Also, the Indian Society for Plant Physiology, of which I was an elected Vice President, conferred its highest honour ‘JJ Chinoy Award’, and later elected me as editor of the “Indian Journal for Plant Physiology”. ( https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=SJ-7DMoAAAAJ&hl=en )

On a personal note, I was born and raised in Fazilka, Punjab, where I still love to go and meet my extended family. I met Rupa at Chandigarh in 1974 and after an unflinching friendship, we married 5 years later. She also joined the Faculty of HAU in 1982 and after 32 years, retired as a Professor and Head of Botany and Plant Physiology. My son Ankur lives in California with his wife Neha (both are IT professionals) and two daughters. My daughter, also Neha, is doing Residency in Internal medicine in Pennsylvania, where her husband Abhishek is a Critical Care Specialist. My deep faith in God and doing only what, I believe is right, gives me a lot of strength and keeps me cool. I have never ever lost my temper in last over 20-30 years. 

I love to travel.  While in good health, I plan to visit all the seven continents (2 are remaining), all the 29 state capitals in India (6 are remaining), the seven wonders of the world (5 are remaining), the four Hindu Dhams (0 remaining) and the five Sikh Takhats (0 remaining).  Karnal is our permanent home. After 5 years in US, I intend to return to Karnal in 2023 and pursue my passion for teaching in some university around there. I hope to be working to the last day of my life.  Retirement plans, absolutely none!

Ashok Dhawan                 Frederick, MD 21703, USA               

First photograph is self-explanatory. The next three photographs are of Hawrah bridge, Basic Sciences and the Canteen that were taken in 2016. A family photograph from 2018. Last photograph at NIFTEM, when Professor Malik, Mohanbir, Arvind and Prem came to my place for a meeting in 2015.

Comments by Gems of PAU Botany

(Source: Whatsapp Group)

[16/08, 5:27 PM] Satish Kalra: What a run through trailor of life lived with merit and achievements with plan to work till last breath. Gr8 to be in touch with you dear. Ashok any plans to scale all the major mountain peaks. Mt Everest to begin with. 

Ashok ji I am getting motivation from your story to see the world before I say goodbye. Please see "Bucket List". This is a beautiful movie on the kind of ideas you shared. We will discuss after that

[16/08, 6:28 PM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Thanks Satish, but doesn’t that seem a little difficult at 68?

[16/08, 6:07 PM] Dr Mahinder Kaur Alumni PAU Botany: Wonderful Journey  Prof.Ashok full of achievements of course due to hard work and Grace of God. Proud of your first photograph . Marvellous carrier and beautiful loving family blessed with every blessing of life . Having desire to teach till end . Wonderful! May you have good health and happiness always. 

Mohinder Kaur Grewal

[16/08, 6:31 PM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Thank you very much Mohinder. But as per rules of this group, please delete the word “Prof” from my name. May be some reverence when we address our teachers in this group, but not for friends here! Thanks a lot.

[16/08, 6:25 PM] Joginder Minhas Alumni PAU Botany: Great journey Ashok, through many countries, full of unprecedented achievements in academic life.  No retirement plans is the best option in the life of a "karamyogi". Thanks for refreshing the memories of Caucus-77, of which I was also a member. I had totally forgotten about it. Good luck for your current and future assignments.

[16/08, 6:32 PM] Dr Vandana Aggarwal Alumni PAU Botany Chandigarh, Associate Professor: Ashok ji, pleasure reading your story. What an illustrious journey of life .....paved by hard work, dedication and passion to achieve great heights. Your accomplishments are astounding and your passion towards your chosen field and work is matchless. Certainly your glorious story is awe-inspiring

[16/08, 6:39 PM] Rajinder Kaur Alumni PAU Botany: A very impressive journey  Ashokji.this is the result of dedication, hardwork, focus and and above all the grace of God.I use to hear a lot about your sincerity towards your work from Manisha Mangal.She was wid you at Hissar. This jouney of for yours is really a motivation, wishing you  good health and success in your plans

[16/08, 6:48 PM] Arvinder Singh Billa Alumni PAU Botany Nairobi: Ashok Jee. What a journey you have travelled and still planning to cover more, after 2023.Never get retire, keep walking. If Mount Everest is higher than Mount Kenya,is another option. We both belong to Haryana,Karnal is on Defence line to Amritsar and Sirsa is on Defence line to Ferozepur. Always welcome. Have a blessed life.

[16/08, 7:01 PM] Neeru Bhambari Alumni PAU Botany US: I am glad I am back and catching up with the Gems of Botany. Was busy in Independence Day celebrations in NY

Was a big hit . Will be reading everyone’s stories today. Just read Ashok’ s   beautiful  amazing life journey . I am motivated and inspired with his great achievements and humbleness

Ashok can you please share one incidence in life when you got mad or lost temper.( I doubt you have  any). Warm regards: Neeru

[16/08, 9:03 PM] Sunil Talwar Alumni PAU Botany Aurora, Illinois, USA, 1973-76: Very impressive journey studied with lot of achievements and a desire of never to retire. Really incredible! Hope to hear about more of your accomplishments in future.Gives me strong reason to reconsider my plans to retire.Thank you and all other GEMs for sharing wonderful experiences of life.

[16/08, 10:14 PM] BB Puri PNB Chandigarh Ludhiana: Ashok Ji pleased to read your story with lots of achievements and further endless desires. You are a motivation to all of us. Stay blessed.

[17/08, 4:19 AM] Deep Alumni PAU Botany 1972-77 Canada: Dear Ashok: What an inspiring career and life you’ve had! As I said during Dr. Malik’s birthday celebration, from the very first day I met you in 1977, you struck me as a true intellectual. The same thought  has gone through my mind every time I’ve met you or communicated with you since.  The story you’ve share is a living embodiment of that, making me feel pretty good that my first impression of you was right on the mark ! 

Let me take this opportunity to share some personal thoughts with you — lest they should remain unsaid: I have always been awed by how perfectly your intellect is matched by a fantastic sense of humour, deep commitment to fairness and, above all, your trademark humility. All these qualities, plus your and Rupa’s warm hospitality, were on a splendid display when we stopped by at your home in Karnal in 2015 on our way to Punjab. Thank you for setting an example that has always made me want to be a better person. Fortunate and proud to call you a friend, Deep

[17/08, 9:04 AM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: Impressive sojourn. Keep going with smiles

[17/08, 9:26 AM] Nirmal Sekhon Alumni PAU Botany Boston MA / Sacramento, CALIFORNIA: +919815545282 is my Indian cell number. This may be deleted please. My US contact is enough for this group coz it works when I visit India. Nirmal Sekhon

[17/08, 10:04 AM] Gurinder Randhawa Alumni PAU Botany Delhi, Principal Scientist & Head: Three cheers for your so inspiring, amazing and beautiful journey Dr. Ashok. You made all of us proud. Your passion, dedication and commitment are your trademarks. The feedback we are hearing from your batch mates gives us insight into your wonderful personality. You kept on reinventing yourself. Wishing you much more success in coming years. Gurinderjit

[17/08, 10:29 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Very impressive professional journey! Your calm personality and faith in God are other very impressive traits 🏼🏼 God bless you and your family!

[17/08, 10:39 AM] Ashwani Sethi Gidderbaha: Dear Dr. Dhawan, though we have not met each others but while reading your scholarly journey in life made me feel proud that our  Botany Deptt. has such precious Gems. I did only B.Sc. Honrs. I was classmate of dear Hargurdeep,Joginder,Arvind,Arvinder,Amrit,Neeru, HarpalNow I am settled in Giddarbaha. My son is Zonal Manager in IndusIndBank,my daughter Aastha  is nephrologist in Florida . Please do visit us when ever you visit in this side. Regards.

[17/08, 11:11 AM] Dr Arvind Kapoor Alumni PAU Botany US: Dear Ashok your journey took me back to those years when we were working together in lab and doing masti in caucas 77 with Marwaha ,GP kaushal, Girdhari lal Soni, Iqbal and many more. Sitting infront  of  library lawns with white hankerchief spread on the grass for collection and bringing box full of beer on Iqbal bullet motorcycle and enjoying the jokes of Dr Marwaha the pool scientist. Those days are still fresh in our minds.

[17/08, 12:19 PM] Sohan Singh Kalra Alumni PAU Botany Mohali: While reading the success stories of all friends working in the different fields ,it can be concluded that  we all have the basic foundation and grooming from the department to work hard and accepting the challenges of all kinds.Your stories are indeed inspiring . GEMS of PAU Botany ,I Proud of your success in the respective fields like sparkling stars.

[17/08, 3:50 PM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Sir, coming from you has a special meaning. I am truly grateful for your help at some critical times: 

Your very compelling letter to Australian National University made them wait almost 9 months, till I completed my PhD. and was able to join there. 

Your comment of  “Derby horse” made sure that nobody would stop my promotion to Associate Professor in the Board of Management!

Thanks for being there all the way!

[17/08, 4:02 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: I feel blessed to have you both my student colleague and now a friend 

Glad my comment on you as a “Derby Horse” has stood the test of time

[17/08, 6:36 PM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Thanks Gurinder. I am very proud of your professional, rise as well. Look forward to hearing more of you!

[17/08, 6:38 PM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Thanks Anju. Professor Malik’s birthday will always remain fresh for bringing so many of us together.

[17/08, 7:26 PM] Subhash Gupta COBSH US: Dear Ashok: I remember you distinctly when I first met you in your lab at the Punjab University in 1973 even before you came to Ludhiana in Dr. Malik’s lab. Just like many have already said you are the best gentleman I have ever met. I continue to have fond memories. The best thing is that you have moved very close to us within the State of Maryland. Please call upon me at any time. You and Dr.  Malik instilled in me an interest in Plant Biochemistry that I carried for rest of my life. So thank you. More we can talk via phone 2407784292 whenever it is convenient.

[17/08, 7:30 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: Dear Subash. Do Visit us in Noida when ever you come this way. You and Neeru were firsts to use gel electrophoresis to distinguish the twin sperms in pollen

[17/08, 7:43 PM] Subhash Gupta COBSH US: Imaging you remember it so well. Electrophoresis was your idea to learn from Ashok that I respectfully followed. I used this technique to figure out Nitrite Reductase protein from cDNA library in Dr. Beevers’s lab in Oklahoma. Just like he is also my revered teacher and mentor. Yes, many thanks for your kind  invitation to visit you. Whenever I  come Delhi I will surely visit you. Thank you.

[17/08, 7:47 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: I think it was Bhatacharya not Ashok ! 

You Have computer like memory and my memory is fading with ageing

[17/08, 8:55 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: Subash I got admission in Oklomha in 1960 for PhD but my guide passed away and so my mission was aborted

[17/08, 9:39 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: He was cytogenetic working on grasses 

His wife sent me telegram 

I do not remember his name

[18/08, 12:08 AM] Nirmal Sekhon Alumni PAU Botany Boston MA / Sacramento, CALIFORNIA: I enjoyed reading conversations of your group CAUCUS 77. Perhaps you know Dr Ranjit Marwaha and Dr GP. Kaushal were good friends of My husband Dr BS Sekhon. All of us went to Jalandhar for Varsha and GP Kaushal’s wedding and were camping at Dr Marwaha’s place. Dr Sekhon also attended his Son’s wedding while I was in US. After Dr Sekhon left us in 2015, I lost contact with them. After Dr Malik’s birthday meeting, I called Varsha and was shocked to know that Dr Marwaha is no more. Can’t imagine such a lively person like him can go so soon. Miss those days with heavy heart.

Gems of PAU Botany: Anju Bhandari

 

Anju Bhandari

1976 Batch MSc

Hello everyone,

Every person’s life journey is unique.   I never imagined that I will be summarising mine like this on this platform. It’s really hard to sum it up in one page. I am trying and here I begin…

I joined PAU in 1976 and completed my M.Sc. in October 1978 under Dr. V.V.S Tyagi. Soon after I got married to a handsome and dedicated scientist, Dr Vivek Bhandari, working at the National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal after just one meeting in February 1979.

Karnal Phase…. My life after marriage has basically revolved around Vivek’s career goals. And I have happily accepted this life path.  We spent little more than seven years in Karnal where we started our family. I managed to complete my B.Ed. from Kurukshetra University while bringing up my elder son. I was happy to be placed on 10^th position on the University merit list. (I also completed another B.Ed.  degree from Victoria University in New Zealand some 25 years after the first one). I also have a 4 years Kathak dance diploma and have given a few dance recitals in NDRI, Karnal.

There after…In 1986, we began a new phase in our lives. My husband resigned from his Govt. position and accepted an assignment in Nigeria. And thereafter, our adventure of shifting from continent to continent became a child’s play!  To cut it short….

Vivek’s various assignments have taken us from India to Nigeria to Saudi Arabia to Dubai to New Zealand to Singapore to Australia in that order and finally to New Zealand where we are settled now.

Vivek has set up his own consultancy company after retiring from 9-5 job. He gives consultation to food companies around the world and I sometimes help him in his work.

In between these adventures I sometimes tried to occupy myself by finding suitable jobs where ever possible and mainly worked in International schools around the world. I have worked for about 13 years in my 41 years of marriage.

I am also an artist who paints in oil and acrylic medium. I have held a few exhibitions along with other artists in New Zealand and have managed to sell some of my paintings. I have also been conducting Indian cooking classes in New Zealand that seemed popular with Kiwis

Have also been doing voluntary work in Auckland War Museum. My other hobbies are reading and making greeting cards. And I love to cook and host friends at my home. We are also keen on travelling.

I have two sons: the elder son is a Senior Executive at Amazon. He lives with his wife and son in Singapore. The younger son is a Production Specialist and he lives with his wife in New Zealand. Both our daughters-in-law are also professional women. We are very proud of our loving and caring children.

Now about my achievements… I have basically have been content and very happy to be a homemaker. I have always accepted life as it comes and gone with the flow. So asked my family as to what they thought could be considered my life’s achievement?

My Family

Well! the surprising answer I got from them was my adaptability, positive attitude and determination. Perhaps they are right.  These traits came in handy when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer in early 2018 and given only 3 -6 months to live. I had been pretty healthy all my life so it was a huge shock. But when God blesses you with thousands of other blessings all your life, you have no right to ask ‘WHY ME’. You have to surrender to HIS will and have faith along with determination and a positive attitude to beat the challenge. I think by God’s grace and medical science, I have done it!   I am still here and doing pretty well. May be that is my biggest achievement (as my family thinks).

Dear Friends, life is very unpredictable. No one knows what’s around the corner so every day is a blessing.  Enjoy it while you can and don’t forget to use your crystal ware every day because only the PRESENT MOMENT is what is in our hands.  God bless you, Soooo HAPPY to connect with you all !!

Some of My Paintings

Comments: (On Whatsapp Group Gems of Botany

[19/08, 7:02 PM] Iqbal Bhandal Alumni PAU Botany: Great story Anju full of positivity, you were always smiling and brave  Iqbal

[19/08, 7:12 PM] Dr Seema Bedi PAU Botany Ludhiana: What an immensely talented, versatile personality Anju Bhandari is. So brave to have conquered the big C. So good to know you

[19/08, 7:22 PM] Dr Amrik Singh Ahluwalia Alumni PAU Botany 1973 Mohali: Anju and me, I think we were only two M Sc Students of Dr VVS Tyagi who later migrated to Ohio, US. Your blog has been interesting and have shown your courage, determination, sacrifice too and lively God fearing personality. All the best wishes for carrying on your diverse hobbies and interests.

[19/08, 7:34 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thanks Amrik, you were true gentleman always helping me in the lab. And you look very Royal now , honestly. 

There was another girl student after us who was Dr Tyagi’s student, don’t remember her name. 

You have lovely family, saw on FB.

[19/08, 7:22 PM] Joginder Minhas Alumni PAU Botany, Guwahati: Your story is unique Anju.  The most challenging job is a house maker's job, which you have done successfully and with satisfaction.  A house maker dedicates her life to the happiness welfare of the family and that is a great satisfaction at the end of the day, as you might vouch for.  Good that you kept the artist in you alive.  I remember sending you a hand made card after your marriage, as artist in me also comes alive on rare occasions!!.  The best advise you gave is "use your crystal everyday" as we in India seldom use our best tableware, and keep it for the guests and whenever we take it out, we are worried that the gests might not break it!.  Your positivity will definitely help you celebrate many more birthdays.  My good wishes to you and your family.

[19/08, 7:27 PM] BB Puri PNB Ludhiana: Anju your story is really a versatile. Dedication towards family and courage to face big C is due to blessing of God. Anju do you remember us(me and Anita). We were of 1975-77 batch.

[19/08, 7:30 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Yes, I do, I remember having tea and bread pakoras with you , Anita, Rajinder and Joginder at Students Home, I read your story also, very inspirational ... God bless you!

[19/08, 7:39 PM] Neena Sethi Alumni PAU Botany: Wow Anju  glad to know about your great experience of life You r a brave n bold human being I know you will lead a happy n meaningful life May God bless you with a long n health y life Be happy always

[19/08, 7:40 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thanks Joginder for appreciating homemaker’s sacrifice. You are such a nice person and look so dignified. I remember watching a film with you  ... that was quite courageous on my part ! Yes I do remember the handmade card . So nostalgic 

[19/08, 7:54 PM] Brij Mohan Prashar COBSH Jagraon: Anju your positivity shall revive you to same normal life. Your dedication to the family is worth praising. We are proud of you. May You enjoy along, healthy and happy Blessed Life with your sweet family and friends.

Brij Mohan 1971 batch.

[19/08, 8:04 PM] Sohan Singh Kalra Alumni PAU Botany Mohali: I am happy to not that Anju is an artist .An arist know where to put colours .Keep your skill alive.I had to leave because of work pressures .I do .make pencil sketches as an when in a mood.Your story is amazing .Best of luck

[19/08, 8:22 PM] Dr Vineeta Sharma Alumni PAU Botany Chandigarh Manimajra( sector 13 )., 1978 MSc 1984 PhD: Hello Anju ji,

Hats off to ur positivity , courage, will power nd determination.your versatility nd artistic temper is unique nd so is your smile( as visible in your pics) Your role as a homemaker is highly appreciable.Wishing u a great life ahead full of energy , love ,happiness nd contentment along with ur loving family.Regards nd best wishes. Stay blessed always.

[19/08, 8:27 PM] Dr Anita Joshi Alumni PAU Botany 1977 Ludhiana, HOD: Dear di you are an epitome of love and dedication for your family.You have an amazing journey, beautiful family.God bless you with healthy and happy life

[19/08, 8:32 PM] Arvinder Singh Billa Alumni PAU Botany Nairobi: Greetings Anju. for a Nice,family and Progressive story of the Bhandari family and well in time,as per promise. Have a Dignified,Blessed Healthy Wealthy family Life.

[19/08, 8:48 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you Satish Ji for your appreciation. And taking so much trouble to post the story correctly.

[19/08, 8:53 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: I admire Anju your positivity 

Be blessed always. 

[19/08, 9:07 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Respected Sir... I have never forgotten the help and encouragement I received from you when I joined the Botany department in 1976, as I was bit late in joining, you had helped me to procure missed notes and advised me in selecting courses.

You also encouraged me to give dance recital during International Symposium of Botany when I was not too confident about it. So thank you Sir for everything. Your blessings mean a lot to me 🏼🏼

[19/08, 9:12 PM] Dr CP Malik Botanist NOIDA: Your recital was appreciated by all delegates 

You are God’s special child. You will Come out of all trials. Be blessed always

[19/08, 9:03 PM] Varsha Kaushal Alumni PAU Botany 1976 Little Rock, Arkansas, USA: Pardon my brief hiatus, Friends. I have a lot to catch-up. I will start with the latest and move in reverse......

Dear Anju, what an incredible story of dedication to your beautiful family, love for your artistic talents; courage, bravery and determination to overcome tough times! Love your positive attitude and smiling personality! All the very best for happy and healthy years ahead in the company of your loved ones. Lots of love and hugs for you 

[19/08, 9:12 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thankyou so very much my dear Varsha, it’s always great to connect to your old beautiful friends. And who can forget that melodious voice ? You were soul of my dance in PAU. Lots of love and hugs dear ️🥰

[19/08, 9:10 PM] Rajinder Kaur Alumni PAU Botany: Hi Anju  i recollect the days when we were together in PAU.WE were room mates1976-78 and above all we were very close friends.I had already known most of your artistic skills.I AM happy yo know about your caring and loving family. You are a brave, positive and very loving person. i wish you a very good health ,happiness and joy forever.I will call you sometime later

[19/08, 9:15 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you dear Rajinder for your best wishes, of course we were best mates and I was so possessive about you, bit too much , now that I think about it. Love and hugs ️

[19/08, 10:07 PM] Gurinder Randhawa Alumni PAU Botany Delhi, Principal Scientist & Head: Wow! What a beautiful, inspiring, brave Journey Anju di. it was sheer delight to peep into your beautiful life with loving family. The message you brought to live every beautiful moment of life with attitude of gratitude is Superb ️ Rather you have lived it. I wish I have met you at PAU. You were there till 78 and I joined in 79. let's hope we meet now when you visit India, I am based in Delhi. Three cheers for your exceptionally gifted artistic skills.

[19/08, 10:33 PM] [19/08, 9:12 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thankyou so very much my dear Varsha, it’s always great to connect to your old beautiful friends. And who can forget that melodious voice ? You were soul of my dance in PAU. Lots of love and hugs dear ️🥰

, Illinois, USA, 1973-76: Very inspiring journey, Anju ji! Being a home maker is very challenging role and key to success of the family. Very well done. God bless you with a very long healthy, happy and peaceful life.

[20/08, 12:35 AM] Dr Vandana Aggarwal Alumni PAU Botany Chandigarh, Associate Professor: Dear Anju ji, what an inspiring story. Your attitude of moving with the flow of life and keeping happy, your versatility, your love and devotion to your family, your uplifted spirit to take the challenge of your life head on with such positivity ...make you a person worth admiring and emulating. Wish you unlimited happiness and radiant health. It's a great feeling  connected to such wonderful people with shared roots.

[20/08, 3:18 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Vandana for such profound admiration. Bit more than I deserve. It is indeed my good fortune as well to connect with all so well accomplished friends . God bless you always 🥰️ Lots of love!!

[20/08, 3:26 AM] Ashok Dhawan Alumni PAU Botany: Nice to read your write up Anju. Admire your talents, courage and attitude towards life. Sector 9, Karnal is our permanent home. I have been to NDRI multiple times. Do you still go to Karnal when you visit India?

[20/08, 3:32 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you Ashok, I did read in your story about Karnal being your home town now. We have shared roots  Sadly we haven’t visited Karnal for a long time now. It will be good to visit sometime in future. Best wishes to you and your family for a happy life.

[20/08, 4:38 AM] Ravi Sethi Alumni PAU Botany US: Anju.. you had a wonderful life around the world.. and New Zealand is a gorgeous place to retire.. wonderful family.. lovely paintings.. Great attitude..I am sure you will have fulfilling and long life.. best

[20/08, 4:44 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Thank you so much Ravi Ji, I understand that you were first student of Dr Malik. Good to have encouraging words from seniors like yourself. 

New Zealand indeed is stunningly beautiful country and we are blessed to be here. Best wishes to you Sir 

[20/08, 9:44 AM] Rupinder Sandhu Alumni PAU Botany 1976-78 US: Hi Anju ji , read your beautiful life journey across continents. Admire your sacrifices , your devotion to your family and your painting skills . The grace and courage with which you overcame a demon called cancer is remarkable. You have a beautiful loving family , enjoy! Wishing you a happy healthy and wonderful life ahead . Hope to meet you someday , best regards- Rupinder  Sidhu

[20/08, 10:12 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Hello Rupinder... many thanks for your loving wishes. Grateful to God 🏼 for blessing me with some strength to face a big challenge and good wishes of friends like you which encourage to keep on moving in life inspite of tough times.

God bless you !

[20/08, 10:55 AM] Arvind Allipuria Alumni PAU Botany: Dear Anju

While reading your story from first line to last, it is so well connected and engrossing. You are such a good artist and a story teller. Your life as a home maker is so graceful and your fighting spirit and attitude towards life is worth saluting. I am so eager to see you, maybe I have to travel to New Zealand as and when time permits. Stay blessed always. 

Regards 

Arvind

[20/08, 11:18 AM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Dear Arvind... I am really touched by your words coming straight from the heart. Words have so much power when written sincerely. Thank you so much for this affection 🏼. Please do come, I would love to host you at my place. Looking forward to meet you ....

Kind regards Arvind and God bless !

[20/08, 2:48 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Dear Arvind... I am really touched by your words coming straight from the heart. 

Thank you so much for this affection 🏼. Please do visit us in New Zealand, i would love to host you at my place. Looking forward to meet you ....

Kind regards and God bless !

Anju

[20/08, 2:53 PM] Dr Arvind Kapoor Alumni PAU Botany US: Dear Anju, i hope you remember me there are two Arvind and i am senior Arvind Kapur. Your journey of life is quite inspirations. Inspirational and smooth sailing God bless you all and your journey should remain joyful and healthy

[20/08, 4:06 PM] Anju Bhandari Alumni PAU Botany Newzealand, MSc.. 1976-78: Hello Arvind... I surely remember you. 

Many many thanks for your good wishes 🏼

May you have happy, healthy life with your family and friends !