Promoting Agricultural Development in Punjab
Dr. Gurdev Singh Khush Foundation is a nonprofit philanthropic organization established in 2010
Our Mission
The mission of the Foundation is to contribute to enhancement of agricultural research and capacity building at the Punjab Agricultural University
Our 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
Dr. Darshan Singh Brar Award in Agriculture
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 an award in his memory. Dr. Brar’s family, friends, and well-wishers donated substantially to establish the award. The first award was announced in 2021. A committee of international scientists evaluated the nominations and selected Dr. S. S. Banga as the first awardee. The award ceremony was held on August 17, 2022, at the Dr. Manmohan Singh Auditorium. The award carried a plaque and a monetary award of Rs. 3 Lakh. Dr. Banga thanked the Foundation but graciously donated the award money back to the Foundation. The Khush Foundation and Punjab Agricultural University also organized a two-day symposium on August 17-18 on the theme “ Transforming the Green Revolution Hub of India: Innovations in Crop Breeding, Resource Management and Policy” Distinguished scientists and students from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and from abroad attended the function. The following Annual Award Function of the Foundation will be held on March 21, 2023. In addition, a new award for the PAU faculty has been established. It is called D.S.Brar Young Scientist Award.
Distinguished Speakers and Panelists
Khush Scholarship Recipients: March 22, 2022
A total of 65 students comprising 53 students from Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) and 12 from Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (GADVASU), were presented Merit Scholarships during Dr. GS Khush Foundation Scholarship Award Ceremony at PAU. Dr. Manjit Singh Kang, former Vice-Chancellor, PAU; Dr. Inderjeet Singh, Vice-Chancellor, GADVASU; and Dr. AS Dhatt, Director of Research, PAU, presented the scholarships to the students. In addition, Rs 25,000 was provided to a needy student. Dr. S.S. Banga, ICAR-National Professor, was announced as the first awardee of the “Dr. DS Brar Award” in agriculture.
While congratulating the scholarship awardees from California via zoom, Dr. GS Khush said: “These awards are recognition of your outstanding academic performance. You are future leaders of the country and will play an important role in the nation’s development and prosperity.” He also paid rich tributes to the Founding Secretary of the Foundation and an outstanding biotechnologist late, Dr. DS Brar, who played a sterling role in agriculture and the development of the Foundation. He thanked Dr. Kuldeep Singh, Secretary of the Foundation, Dr. Gurjeet Sigh Mangat treasurer of the Foundation, and Dr. Navtej Singh Bains for managing the Foundation activities throughout the year. Dr. Khush thanked Former Vice Chancellors Drs. MS Kang and BS Dhillon for hosting the Foundation at PAU
Dr. Inderjeet Singh congratulated the award-winning rural students; he said these scholarships were a step in the right direction. “Once you become something and reach the peak, you will never forget Dr. GS Khush Foundation.” Dr. Dhatt said: “PAU is indebted to Dr. Khush for the technical and financial support. This Merit Scholarship is given to you to learn from him and contribute to society.”
Dr. BS Dhillon, former PAU VC, Dr. GS Sidhu, Dr. RS Tambar, and Ms. Rajdev Brar graced the occasion virtually. Dr. JS Sandhu, Senior biotechnologist, Conducted the Program
Further details of the function can be obtained from the PAU, and the News India sites