Visionary Leadership: Professor Gurbakhsh Singh’s Enduring Legacy at the University of Hyderabad

The University of Hyderabad’s illustrious history is attributed to the exceptional leadership of its Vice Chancellors. This esteemed group of visionaries has spearheaded the institution’s transformation into a premier hub of academic excellence. Through their strategic guidance, the University of Hyderabad (UoH) has emerged as a flagship institution in India’s higher education landscape. In this series, “Know the Vice Chancellors of UoH,” we delve into the lives and contributions of these pioneering leaders.

 

Visionary Leadership: Professor Gurbakhsh Singh’s Enduring Legacy at the University of Hyderabad

 

Professor Gurbakhsh Singh, a renowned chemist and recipient of the Padma Bhushan award, played a transformative role in shaping the University of Hyderabad into a premier institution. As its founding Vice Chancellor from 1974 to 1979, he spearheaded a vision of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity that continues to inspire generations of students, faculty, and staff.

 

Born on March 27, 1920, in Multan (now in Pakistan), Professor Singh obtained his MSc from Lahore University before working with Professor R.B. Woodward (Nobel Laureate in Chemistry, 1965) at Harvard University for his doctoral work. He obtained his Ph.D. in 1949 and published four high-quality papers with Professor Woodward as a Ph.D. student.

 

 

Professor Singh returned to India in the early 1950s and joined the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in Delhi as a research scientist. He later worked at Hoshiarpur and published excellent papers, leading to his appointment as a Professor and Head of the Department of Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University (BHU) Varanasi in 1959.

 

As the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hyderabad, Professor Singh established a strong foundation by appointing the best available faculty in all areas. His vision has come true, with the university becoming one of the top leading academic institutions in India and the world.

 

 

After completing his term as Vice-Chancellor, Professor Singh joined back his parent institution (Department of Chemistry, BHU) and taught organic chemistry. He was later appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, serving until his superannuation. Professor Singh was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 1985 for his extraordinary services in education.

 

Throughout his illustrious career, Professor Singh was driven by his passion for academic excellence and his commitment to creating world-class institutions. His legacy continues to inspire generations of students, faculty, and staff at the University of Hyderabad and beyond.

 

• By Mahi Sharma, MA Communication (Media Studies) with inputs from Professor D. Basavaiah., INSA Senior Scientist, School of Chemistry, University of Hyderabad