Pharma Legend, Padma Shri Prof Harkishan Singh is no more

Chandigarh: Professor Harkishan Singh, Emeritus Professor, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Panjab University, a globally renowned pharmaceutical scientist and science historian, bid adieu to his wonderful life sojourn of 92 years, today morning, informed Prof. Kanwaljit Chopra, Chairperson UIPS. 
 
She added that much of the glory of UIPS in the magnificent sojourn of 75 years is owed to the "Pharma Jewel"- Professor Harkishan Singh, who was conferred upon "Padma Shri" by the Honorable President of India in 2017.
 
A few international recognitions including, conferral upon him of D.Sc. (Hons. Causa) by University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, USA in 2014 in recognition of his distinguished academic career and outstanding contributions to scientific research in organic and medicinal chemistry and  history of Pharmacy; his standing as a Historian recognized by his election to "the Academie Internationale d'Histoire de la Pharmacie" in 1995.
 
Professor Singh completed his graduation in year 1950 from UIPS, PU, and postgraduation and Ph.D from Banaras Hindu University. In recognition of his illustrious contribution for the development of medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, the Panjab University conferred the prestigious Professor Emeritus title upon Professor Singh in the year 2003 and Doctor of Science (Honoris Causa) in the year 2016.
 
One of the rarest accomplishments to the credit of Professor Singh and of Panjab University, per se, was the discovery of a clinically useful drug Chandonium Iodide (HS-310) which was later named by World Health Organisation (WHO) as Candocuronium Iodide. This is highly pertinent to add that Candocuronium is the only drug discovered from any Indian University till date.
 
With a total experience of over 40 years in teaching and research in medicinal and pharmaceutical chemistry, over 50 doctoral and master's theses have been completed under his supervision in the research areas of heterosteroids and natural products for the pharmaceutical developments in India. His over 330 publications include 21 books, 9 history monographs; 6 book chapters, 16 other review papers; 125 original research papers in medicinal chemistry; 65 research papers on pharmaceutical history; over hundred articles on pharmaceutical education, professional issues and other topics. He also had as many as fourteen patents obtained on his name in the area of heterosteroids.
 
Professor Harkishan Singh has delivered several invited lectures at institutions and conferences within the country, United States of America, United Kingdom, Canada, and China, including the one at the Harvard Medical School and at the International Symposium on Molecular Structure (1986) sponsored by the International Union of Crystallography, at Beijing.
 
In him, the country lost one of the greatest Pharma Educators, Science historians, and Drug Discovery Scientists of the Nation, and even beyond.
 
Cremation will take place tomorrow, i.e., 21 March 2020, at 11:00 am in the Sector 25 Cremation Ground, Chandigarh.