Promoting Agricultural Development in Punjab
The Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation for Advancement of Agricultural Sciences was established in 2010 through a generous donation by Dr. G. S. Khush. Its primary mission is to promote education, research, and training in agriculture by providing scholarships to deserving students, particularly from rural Punjab, and supporting travel grants for young scientists and postgraduates (objectives). The Foundation also invites distinguished scholars to deliver lectures and share their expertise with faculty and students at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU)
Scholarships Supporting Educational Advancement
The Annual Function on March 19, 2025, celebrated academic excellence and significant achievements of students and scholars. A total of 65 Merit Scholarships were awarded to outstanding undergraduate students from PAU and GADVSU. In addition, 48 Travel Grants were presented to faculty members and postgraduate scholars to facilitate their participation in national and international academic events, promoting global exposure and collaborative research. A special Merit Scholarship was presented to the top-performing PAU Model High School student, Kaoni, Sri Muktsar Sahib, to recognize academic distinction at the school level.
Professor Ramesh Chand, a Member of NITI Aayog, delivered an informative lecture on “India’s Agricultural Policies.“
Since its inception, the Khush Foundation has awarded scholarships to 722 students across PAU and GADVASU. Each scholarship symbolizes a meaningful stride toward equitable access to education and a promising future for aspiring students and scholars.
The Foundation takes pride in supporting the academic journeys of these young individuals and remains steadfast in its commitment to nurturing the next generation of leaders. It has made a significant impact by providing opportunities and support to the youth. By focusing on education, the foundation continues to drive meaningful social change. The accompanying video highlights these values and the Foundation’s impact… Read Newsletter
Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Awards: 2025
Dr. Brar was an internationally renowned Biotechnologist and a Rice Breeder. He also had a keen interest in teaching and encouraged students to pursue higher studies. After his untimely demise in 2020, the Khush Foundation established these awards in his memory. Dr. Brar’s family, friends, and well-wishers donated substantially to accomplish his mission. The Brar Awards celebrate individuals who inspire others through their work; the current and former honorees are a shining example of that spirit.
The Foundation is pleased to confer the “Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Award in Agriculture 2025″ on Padma Shree Vijay Pal Singh and Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh.
Dr. V.P. Singh initiated the Basmati breeding program at ICAR-IARI, which ushered in a new era of prosperity… Read More.
Dr. Ashok Kumar Singh is the former Director of ICAR-IARI. He is recognized for his outstanding contributions to developing iconic Basmati rice varieties. Read More
These varieties have increased the availability of aromatic rice for consumers and their export, earning the country Rs. 500 billion in foreign exchange in a year.
The PAU Young Scientist Award was given to Dr. Gurupkar Singh Sidhu, Senior Fruit Biotechnologist, for his outstanding contribution to strategic research in citrus breeding, commercialization of tissue culture protocols, teaching, and extension activities. He has played a pivotal role in developing commercial micropropagation protocols for producing elite, disease-free clonal planting material, enabling the rapid dissemination of newly released varieties. Dr. Sidhu has published over 73 research papers and 17 extension articles in reputed journals and magazines. He is also a member of the Central Compliance Committee for selecting genetically engineered fruit crops for the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India. Read More
