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.