Prof. Brahma Singh Journey of a Legendary Life (1941-2023)
Brahma Singh is an Indian Horticultural scientist, known for his expertise on protected cultivation and his efforts in developing agro-technologies for the high-altitude areas of the Himalayan region of Leh and for identifying and popularizing the fruit crops of seabuckthorn and Indian mulberry (Noni). The Government of India honoured him, in 2014, by awarding the Padma Shri, the fourth highest civilian award, for his contributions to the fields of science and technology.
With great sorrow the news of the demise of Dr. Brahma Singh reached us. We were deeply saddened by this. We have lost a legend in the field of horticulture on 9th July 2023. Let’s go through the journey of his legendary life.
Birth and Education
Brahma Singh was born at a small hamlet of Paladi in Muzaffarnagar district in the state of Uttar Pradesh, on 15 December 1941. He did his schooling at the Rashtriya High School from where he passed his matriculation in 1959 and completed his junior college in 1961 from the Jat Inter College, Muzaffarnagar in 1961. He graduated (BSc Hons) in agriculture and agri-horticulure from the G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology in 1964 and passed MSc from the same university in 1966. Subsequently, he did his doctoral studies at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Pantnagar and secured PhD in 1970 from IARI New Delhi.
Career
After obtaining the doctoral degree, he started his career as an assistant professor at the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar in 1970 and worked there till 1974. He then shifted to DRDO for the Indian armed forces.
In 1979, he was transferred to the Defence Food Research Laboratory, Mysore with a promotion to the post of the Deputy Director. The next assignment as the Director at the Defence Research Laboratory in Tezpur, Assam, a stint of five years till 1990. He was then transferred to the Field Research Laboratory, Leh in Jammu and Kashmir, as the Director, starting a significant chapter in his career.
His contributions
Brahma Singh is known as an expert in protected cultivation and is credited for his efforts in introducing crop cultivation in the high altitude regions of Leh and Nubra. During his tenure as the Director of the Field Research Laboratory at Leh, he had developed vegetable and crop cultivation in the region, thereby earning the accolade as the person who greened Leh which he accomplished by identifying and promoting crops suitable and adaptable to the rare atmosphere of Leh. Seabuckthorn and Indian mulberry (Noni fruit) are two such crops identified and popularized by him.
Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamanoides Linn) also called Sallow thorn belonging to the family Elaeagnaceae, is a deciduous shrub with yellow or orange fruits. Seabuckthorn’s leaves, flowers, seeds & fruits are used in medicine & various other things. It produces orange-yellowish colour like berries which is edible & has been used as food for a very long time. It contains vitamins A, B1, B2, B6 & C. It’s been used traditionally to slow down the aging processes.
Seabuckthorn fruit can be used to make pies, jams, lotions, teas, jellies, puree, sauces, fruit wine and liquors. Its pulp is used in making beverages & cosmetic products. Its juice is common in Germany & Scandinavian countries.
Indian mulberry (Noni fruit) to have many uses in pharmaceutical, cosmetic and nutriceutical industries.
He has also contributed towards the development of Leh Berry, a nutraceutical beverage made out of ripe seabuckthorn fruits, and patent of the preparation is held by him. He has since transferred the technology to the local farmers and the industry is flourishing.
During his Post-retirement tenure, he has served as OSD to Dr Kalam at Rashtrapati Bhawan and Chief of Tarai Development Corporation (TDC) at Haldi, Pantnagar.
He is the founder of the Indian Society on Protected Cultivation, besides several high positions in the Indian Society of Vegetable Science, International Society for Noni Science.
In 2002, he was elevated to the status of Emeritus Scientist and was placed at the Defence Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences of DRDO for one year and was appointed the General Manager of the Uttaranchal Seeds and Tarai Development Corporation at for another one-year term. In 2004, he moved to the Rashtrapati Bhavan, home to the famous Mughal Gardens, as the Officer on Special Duty (Horticulture) at the President’s Secretariat where he worked till 2007. His tenure there also resulted in Dr. Singh publishing two coffee table books, Trees of Rashtrapati Bhavan and Roses of Rashtrapati Bhavan.
He was also the advisor of the World Noni Research Foundation based in Chennai. He also held the Presidency of the Indian Society for Protected Cultivation, New Delhi. He was also the Joint Secretary of ISNS.
A major contribution was his advocacy for the Zaniskari ponies, a local breed of ponies believed to be having more resistance and capabilities on high altitude terrain than the imported ones. The efforts led to the induction of Zanskar ponies into the Indian Army, which are believed to have served the country during the Kargil war. He was also involved in the development of space food for the first Indo-Russian space mission.
Awards and Recognitions
Professor Brahma Singh has been honoured by numerous fellowships by many academic and scientific organizations such as Horticulture Society of India, National Academy of Biological Sciences, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Association of Food Scientists and Technologists (India) Bio-ved Society and Indian Society of Vegetable Sciences. He is a recipient of G. B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology Merit in 1964 during his college days, and the Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshmitra Award from the Ministry of Environment and Forests in 1995, In 2002, he received the International Plant Scientist Award from the Academy of Plant Sciences. The Agriculture Alumni Association, Patna Nagar honoured Dr. Singh with the Life Time Achievement Award in 2012 which was followed by the Shivshakti Life Time Achievement Award, in 2013, from the Horticulture Society of India. The Government of India honored him with the Padma Shri in 2014.
About Brahma Singh Horticulture Foundation (BSHF)
Prof. Brahma Singh Horticulture Foundation (BSHF), is a non-profit trust, established in November 2019, in Delhi by Prof. Brahma Singh. The foundation aims to accelerate the use of modern science and technology for ongoing Indian horticulture development in the country.
The foundation applies innovative and appropriate science & technology options with modification to suit the local area conditions and the resources available. It intends to address the horticulture sector by solving problems faced by rural and urban populations engaged in horticulture, food, nutrition, phytomedicines and ornamental plants.
It also addresses value addition to horticulture produce and advises in the marketing of products through modern means and procedures. It also advocates provisioning of quality resource in Indian horticulture including undertaking training of trainers and other practitioners, besides creating awareness through regular publications such as bi-annual magazines, articles, blogs and scientific reports.
BSHF especially focuses on arid high-altitude regions like Ladakh in India. Empowering local communities through their participation, for the development of the region is the belief that the foundation believes and aims to make the region self- sufficient in fresh food of horticulture origin and also help local farmers export surplus produce. Development of floriculture in the Ladakh region has huge potential for the local economy and tourism, which remains largely unexplored. BSHF aims to support farmers and others interested in floriculture by providing them means and technical know-how to formally develop skills required to practice floriculture successfully in the region.
His contribution to INA
Prof. Brahma Singh was the chief editor of the magazine Nursery Today. He used to constantly guide and mentor the Nursery Today Team. The quality and richness of the magazine has enhanced under his guidance. Authors and writers who constantly were under the guidance will remember him dearly as he used to suggest them and help them in improving the relatable content. He actively participated in all the INA activities, programs and events. He used to deliver talks and initiate discussions to help the audience in the best possible way. His method of talking practical and working practically was very unique that led to his recognition and respect all over the country.
His advice to enhance the quality of the magazine proved to be very beneficent.
He was always been the source of inspiration for all of us. He was very keen and eager to help the horticulture industry. Because of his contributions the industry has been uplifted. We have indeed lost a legendary horticulturist. We will carry on the legacy that he has left behind.
His contribution to INA
Prof. Brahma Singh was the chief editor of the magazine Nursery Today. He used to constantly guide and mentor the Nursery Today Team. The quality and richness of the magazine has enhanced under his guidance. Authors and writers who constantly were under the guidance will remember him dearly as he used to suggest them and help them in improving the relatable content. He actively participated in all the INA activities, programs and events. He used to deliver talks and initiate discussions to help the audience in the best possible way. His method of talking practical and working practically was very unique that led to his recognition and respect all over the country.
His advice to enhance the quality of the magazine proved to be very beneficent.
He was always been the source of inspiration for all of us. He was very keen and eager to help the horticulture industry. Because of his contributions the industry has been uplifted. We have indeed lost a legendary horticulturist. We will carry on the legacy that he has left behind.
The loss of Dr. Brahma Singh is a great loss not only for INA but for the whole nation. He was a star of the horticulture industry because of his remarkable contributions. He was one of the charismatic personalities who constantly guided and mentored the Indian Nurserymen Association. He was the chief Editor of the magazine, Nursery Today and under his guidance magazine was published. His cooperation and support in the programs, webinars, seminars and in all the activities organized by the INA from time to time can not be forgotten. The Indian Nurserymen Association will carry on his legacy with the same values and dedication. I on behalf on the INA pay tribute and respect to the departed soul. May his soul rest in peace.
YP Singh
President, INA
I still remember the first time I was meeting sir I was very nervous about how he will be because he was such a great personality and I was so glad to see that he was so down to earth and spent a lot of his time with us in INA. It’s so hard to believe that he is not among us anymore. But his guidance, his memory and his love will always be there and we will cherish every little moment we had spent with him and nobody can’t fill this space anymore. May his soul rest in peace.
Ghalib Khan
Executive Member, INA
On 9th July, we were deeply shocked and saddened to hear the sudden demise of Padmshree Prof. (Dr.) Brahma Singh. He led the development of Horticulture in the country with great commitment, as a Horticulturist, the community has lost one of its most distinguished members. Dr. Singh held very prestigious positions and had several awards and fellowships to his credit. His guidance and motivation will always stay with us as a blessing. He will be truly missed by his family, our Indian Nurserymen Association and his friends. It is a fact that we lost him, but we did not lose him as a model in our life, his devotion and strength will always enlighten our path to achieve new milestones.
In this sad moment, I join hands with my colleagues and convey my heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. We pray for the great and noble Soul to Rest in Peace. He will be remembered forever in our thoughts and prayers.
Om Shanti!
Dr. Vishal Mahajan, Head,
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kathua (J&K),
Editorial Board Member, Nursery Today
I am very sorry to hear about the sad demise of Dr. Brahma Singh, Chief Editor of Nursery Today magazine. Inspite of his busy schedule, he has worked with devotion for the enhancement of quality of the magazine. He made the publication very popular among Horticulture fraternity, mostly among the Nursery people. From time to time he has guided almost all associate members in a very effective way to enhance and develop the activities of the Nursery Today. Every reader used to go through his important message and readers were very keen to read the guidelines given through the message.
He will always be our source of inspiration and guide. We have lost one principled and dynamic personality who always motivated everyone for good cause of Horticulture.
Mr. Sachin Brahmankar, Gen. Sec.,
INA (Mah. Chapter), Editorial Board Member, Nursery Today
The legendary man of Seabuck thorn, a true horticulture genius and the eminent scientist known for his expertise with revolutionary approach in protected cultivation, Professor Bharma Singh Sir, Padmshree awardee left this planet for his heavenly abode on 9th July 2023. It is a great loss to the entire Horticulture fraternity. I am deeply mourned and I pray for the great soul to rest in peace. His innovative thoughts and inventions in horticulture are immortal, and shall continue to boost Horticulture development in our country.
Om Shaanti
Dr. Alka Singh
I/c Principal and Dean (Horticulture)
Professor and Head
Department of Floriculture and Landscape Architecture
ASPEE College of Horticulture
Navsari Agricultural University
Navsari, Gujarat
Editorial Board Member, Nursery Today
उद्यानिकी क्षेत्र के उत्कृष्ट अनुसंधान को विश्व स्तर पर स्थापित करने वाले पदमश्री गुरुवर डॉ. बह्म सिंह जी के गौलोकवास पर सादर श्रद्धाजंलि प्रभु श्रीनाथजी दिवंगत आत्मा को अपने चरणों में स्थान प्रदान कर परिजनों और उनके असंख्य शिष्यों के इस दु:ख की घड़ी में सम्बल प्रदान करें।
पदमश्री डॉ. बह्म सिंह सर भारतीय उद्यानिकी को देश और विदेश में श्रेष्ठ के रूप में स्थापित करने में महती भूमिका का निर्वहन किया।
उद्यान शिल्पी के रूप में डॉ. बह्म सिंह जी को राष्ट्रीय और अंतरराष्ट्रीय संस्थानों ने सम्मान से नवाजा है।
डॉ. बह्म सिंह जी के निधन से उद्यानिकी के एक युग का अंत हुआ है एवं एक वैज्ञानिक, मार्गदर्शक, उत्कृष्ट उद्यानिकी, तकनीक प्रसारक और ‘नर्सरी टुडे’ के मुख्य संपादक के रूप में उनके योगदान को सदैव याद किया जाएगा।
प्रभु श्रीनाथजी दिवंगत आत्मा को मोक्ष प्रदान कर सद्गति दें।
ॐ शांति
डॉ. मनीष कुमार शर्मा
असिस्टेंट प्रोफेसर, सरदार क्रुशीनगर दंतीवाड़ा, कृषि विश्वविद्यालय, गुजरात
सदस्य, संपादकीय बोर्ड, नर्सरी टुडे
श्रद्धेय श्री डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह जी से प्रथम बार मेरी मुलाकात कड़ियम (आंध्र प्रदेश) ट्रिप पर हुई थी, जब उन्हें पदमश्री मिलने पर आईएनए कड़ियम चैप्टर व कडियम नर्सरीमेन एसोसिएशन द्वारा स्वागत समारोह का आयोजन किया गया था।
प्रथम बार में ही डॉक्टर साहब से इतना प्यार व अपनापन महसूस हुआ, जैसे हम बरसों से परिचित हों। डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह अद्भुत प्रतिभा के धनी थे। जब भी किसी नर्सरीमेन या हॉर्टिकल्चरिस्ट को कोई जिज्ञासा या समस्या उत्पन्न होती थी तो उसके समाधान का अंतिम विकल्प डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह ही होते थे। डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह ने आईएनए द्वारा प्रकाशित ‘नर्सरी टुडे’ का सफल संपादन कर उसे नई ऊंचाइयों तक पहुंचाया।
इंडियन नर्सरीमेन एसोसिएशन द्वारा समय-समय पर आयोजित कार्यक्रम, वेबिनार, सेमिनार आदि में डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह के सहयोग व समर्थन को भुलाया नहीं जा सकेगा। डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह का जाना आईएनए के लिए अपूर्णीय क्षति है। मैं डॉ. ब्रह्म सिंह को अपनी व आईएनए परिवार की ओर से श्रद्धा सुमन अर्पित करता हूं।
मुकुल कुमार त्यागी, जनरल सेक्रेटरी
इंडियन नर्सरीमेन एसोसिएशन
