Launch of book titled “Suman Beri – Higgs Boson, Top Quark and Single Top Quark – The Story of a Punjabi Woman Scientist”

Chandigarh, May 1, 2022: Panjab University Alumni Association in collaboration with the Department of Physics and Dr. SSB University Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Panjab University organised an offline and virtual book launch event on 30th April to launch a book named "Suman Beri – Higgs Boson, Top Quark and Single Top Quark – The Story of a Punjabi Woman Scientist" authored by Dr. Rajinder Singh. Prof. Renu Vig, Dean University Instruction, PU was the Chief Guest for the event. 

The event was attended by over 50 professors/ students from university departments and some visitors from other institutions. About 30 people joined online who included Dr. Rajinder Singh, the author of the book, from Germany and Dr. Archana Sharma, senior scientist, CERN, Switzerland. Three former Vice Chancellors, in whose regime Prof. Suman Bala Beri had the opportunity to work, graced the occasion as guests of honour – Prof. K. N. Pathak, Prof. R. C. Sobti and Prof. Arun K. Grover. Yet another Vice Chancellor, Prof. Ravinder Kohli of Amity University, Mohali, sent a voice message. 

Prof. Anupama Sharma, Dean of Alumni Relations, Panjab University started the event by welcoming all the attendees and chief guests. She gave a brief description about the book, which talks about the story of a Punjabi Woman Scientist - Prof. Suman Bala Beri, who is an alumnus of Dept. of Physics, Panjab University. Dr. Rajinder Singh has beautifully compiled the life events of Prof. Suman in this book. She further said that this biography has plenty of teachable moments; positive, inspirational and aspirational narratives and she was sure that the life sketch of Prof Beri will certainly ignite bright young minds, especially girls to choose the path of research to showcase their talent. She Prof. Sharma thanked Dr. Rajinder Singh for choosing the platform of Alumni Association of Panjab University for his book launch.

Dr. Rajinder Singh began with a thankful note. He shared his thoughts and motive behind writing this book.According to him in the field of history of science it is really important to have original documents and sources. He thanked all the people who contributed in writing this book without which it would have not been possible for him to complete his work. He ended by thanking everyone for giving the opportunity to share his thoughts and launch his book at such an eminent platform. 

Prof. Renu Vig, Dean University Instruction, PU launched the book by cutting ribbon and congratulated Dr. Rajinder Singh on his book launch. She addressed everyone thereafter and shared her thoughts on the life of Prof. Suman Bala. She shared her experience during her undergraduate studies at Punjab Engineering College and how engineering education was choice a very few girls unlike today. She believes that Prof. Suman a real role model for girls as despite of a tough life and challenging situations, she has done great in her academics. She congratulated Prof. Beri on her achievement and requested her to mentor the students of Panjab University.

Prof. K.N. Pathak former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University took pride in talking about Prof. Suman Bala as she had been one of his students and congratulated her for her commendable achievements.Prof. R.C. Sobti former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University also shared his views on the life of Prof. Suman. He believes that she is an inspiration for all the young female students. Prof. Arun Grover former Vice-Chancellor, Panjab University felt delighted to be part of this event. He has also given a valuable contribution in writing this book. He shared his experience of working with Dr. Rajinder Singh, which he believed was a great learning experience for him.

Prof. Archana Sharma, senior scientist at CERN laboratory, Geneva, Switzerland shared her thoughts on women and their challenges and how it is great to see women scientists especially from Panjab University coming up and giving their significant contributions. She further shared her experience with Prof. Suman at CERN. She mentioned that Prof. Suman has guided more girls for PhD as compared to boys and she always got inspiration from Prof Suman Beri. Prof. Bindu A. Bambah, University of Hyderabad, works in the same research area as Prof. Suman. She has written foreword of the book. She believes that women in physics in India are not as suppressed as women in west. She quoted example of violets by mossy stone and hoped that biography of such one violet will spread fragrance of her life as a role model for coming generations of women. Prof. Keya Dharamvir, who conducted the event, read a few lines written by Prof. Bindu Bambah in the book. Prof. Beri had first come in contact with Dr. Rajinder Singh, the Author of the book in an event organised on Women’s day by SPSTI. Sh Vivek Atray, a well known public speaker and former bureaucrat spoke about her association with Yogoda Satsanga Society and meditation centre and talked about her exemplary coolness in handling even difficult problems –truly emulating " actively calm and calmly active" formula of Sri Paramahansa Yogananda. He also spoke about humility being a hallmark of her character.

Prof. G. S. S. Saini, representing the Dept. of Physics talked about several incredible achievements of Prof. Suman Bala and felt proud that she had been the alumnus of the department.

Prof. Suman Balla gave her emotional address and expressed her feeling of gratitude to each and every one present in the event. 

In the end, Prof. Amrit Pal Toor, Chairperson, Dr.SSBUICET presented the vote of thanks. She congratulated Prof. Suman Bala Beri and author Dr. Rajinder Singh for the launch of this book.