NRI News
NRIs congratulate
Dr Jai Rup Singh on his appointment as VC Central University in
Punjab
GND University Amritsar Vice Chancellor Appointed
VC Central University in Punjab
Los Angeles, March 02, 2009
Inder Singh
Dr Jai Rup Singh, Vice-Chancellor of Guru Nanak Dev (GND) University
and Internationally renowned scientist has been appointed Vice-Chancellor
of new Central University in Punjab.
Last year in October, the Union Cabinet approved a proposal for
twelve new central varsities; one of them to be established in
Punjab. The Cabinet also approved a budget of Rs.3,280 crores
during the 11th Five Year Plan for setting up of the new universities.
Both houses of the Indian Parliament, the Lok Sabha and the Rajya
Sabha passed the Central Universities Bill, 2009, last month.
Dr. Singh was appointed Vice Chancellor of GND University on
July 22, 2006, for a period of three years and his term was to
end on July 22 this year. However, due to his appointment as VC
of the Central University, Dr. Singh demitted his office as VC
of GND University on March 1, 2009 to join the Central University.
During his term as VC, Dr. Singh was responsible for promoting
scientific research and creating academic environment which lead
to academic excellence. He also upgraded infrastructure in the
university and provided transparent and efficient administration.
Dr Singh did his doctorate from AIIMS in 1973 and joined GND
varsity the same year. He was elevated to the post of Professor
in 1986 and later, head, Department of Human Genetics. He also
held the positions of dean, Academic Affairs and dean, Faculty
of Life Sciences. He set up the first independent Department of
Human Genetics in India at this university and also established
a unique internationally reputed Centre for Genetic Disorders,
a first in any Indian university.
Dr. Singh is considered to be the pioneer in India in human genetics:
prenatal and postnatal diagnosis of genetic diseases. Recently,
a team led by Dr. Singh and supported by scientists from the National
Institute of Health, USA, and the Institute of Human Genetics,
Berlin, Germany, after 15 years of research, made major breakthrough
by identifying three new cataract-causing genes in Indian families.
A FIMSA recipient, Dr Jai Rup Singh, had stint as scientific
advisor of the GENDIA International Foundation, USA; chairman
of the Indian Genetic Alliance for the Prevention of Genetic Disorders
and Care of the Families; and president of the Indian Society
of Human Genetics (2001-02). Besides, he has also represented
Asia as vice-president of the International Genetic Alliance,
USA; the World Eye Foundation India; and the International Association
of Human Biologists.
Dr Singh has published three scientific books, 11 manuals and
over 80 research publications. He has guided over 50 students
for PhD, MPhil, MD and MSc. He had successfully organized four
international symposia on human genetics and 12 training workshops.
He has also organized free diagnosis of genetic diseases like
thalassemia and also providing genetic diagnosis, counseling and
guidance to patients since 1973. He has delivered lectures at
the invitation of WHO, UNICEF, UNESCO, EU, and many other international
bodies. He has been a Visiting Professor at various European and
South American Universities.
Dr Singh had been honored with various medals and awards in recognition
of his commendable services in the field of human genetics.
Dr Jai Rup Singh is the son of eminent Punjabi scholar, late
Prof Pritam Singh, and grandson of Sikh scholar late Prof. Sahib
Singh.
