Harkishan Singh facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Harkishan Singh
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| Born | 25 November 1928 Lyallpur District, India
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| Died | 20 March 2020 (aged 91) |
| Nationality | Indian |
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| Occupation | Pharmaceutical Chemist |
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Notable work
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Neuromuscular Blocker Candocuronium (Chandonium) |
| Spouse(s) | Mrs Gian Kaur |
| Children | Tript P Singh (son) Dr. Manjeet Kaur (daughter) |
| Relatives | Harinder S Panaser (son in law ) |
| Awards | Padma Shri (2017) |
| Honours |
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Harkishan Singh (born November 25, 1928 – died March 20, 2020) was a very important scientist from India. He was a Professor Emeritus at Panjab University in Chandigarh. He was known as a top expert in pharmacy, a researcher in medicinal chemistry, and a historian of science.
Professor Singh worked for over 50 years in his fields. He taught at several universities in India, including Banaras Hindu University and Panjab University. He also worked abroad at universities in the United States and the United Kingdom.
His scientific work focused on organic chemistry and creating new medicines. He helped nearly 50 students complete their master's and doctoral degrees. He published 125 original research papers and received 14 patents for his inventions. His team even created a useful medicine called candocuronium iodide. This medicine helps relax muscles during surgery. Dr. Singh gave many talks about his research around the world. He spoke at places like Harvard School of Medicine and international science conferences.
As a historian, Professor Singh studied how medicines and pharmacy developed in India. He looked at old medicine books, how pharmacy was taught, and the lives of famous pharmacists. He wrote over 50 articles about the history of pharmacy.
Besides his research papers, Dr. Singh wrote or helped write 12 books. He also wrote many review articles and book chapters. In total, he published over 300 works.
Professor Singh was part of many important groups. He was on a committee for the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC). This group worked on how medicinal chemists should be educated worldwide.
He was also a member of several scientific organizations. These included the American Chemical Society and the Indian Pharmaceutical Association. He was also part of groups that studied the history of pharmacy.
Professor Harkishan Singh received many awards for his work. He was a National Fellow of the University Grants Commission in India. He also led the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress. He was recognized as an "Eminent Pharmacist." His work as a historian was honored when he was chosen for the Académie Internationale d'Histoire de la Pharmacie. Two universities, the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia and Panjab University, gave him honorary Doctor of Science degrees. This was to celebrate his amazing career and contributions to science and history.
Contents
Candocuronium: A Muscle Relaxant
Professor Harkishan Singh's research team at Panjab University created a new medicine. It was first called Chandonium Iodide. This medicine helps relax muscles. Scientists at the University of Strathclyde tested how it worked. Tests for safety were done at the Central Drug Research Institute in Lucknow. These tests showed no bad side effects.
The medicine was also tested on people, and these studies were successful. The results were published in a medical journal in 1994. The Ministry of Health in India approved the medicine for use. The World Health Organization gave it the official name Candocuronium Iodide. This medicine is strong and works quickly. It can be sterilized easily and stored at room temperature without losing its power.
Professor Singh's Career Journey
Professor Harkishan Singh had a long and impressive career. He started as a lecturer and moved up to become a full professor. He also held important leadership roles at Panjab University.
- 1953–1956: Lecturer in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Banaras Hindu University.
- 1956–1964: Assistant Professor at the University of Saugar.
- 1958–1961: Did research in the U.S. at the University of Maryland.
- 1964–1972: Reader in Pharmaceutical Chemistry at Panjab University.
- 1967–1968: Visiting Professor in the U.S. at the University of Mississippi.
- 1971–1972: Research Fellow in the U.K. at the University of London.
- 1972–1988: Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Panjab University.
- 1976–1981: Head of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- 1981–1985: Dean of the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- Since 2003: Professor Emeritus at Panjab University.
Key Awards and Recognitions
Professor Harkishan Singh received many important awards throughout his life. These awards recognized his great work in science and pharmacy.
- 1975: Annual Award of the Shri Amrut Mody Research Foundation.
- 1981: President of the Indian Pharmaceutical Congress.
- 1987: Ranbaxy Research Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
- 1995: Elected Member of the Academie Internationale d'Historie de la Pharmacie.
- 1999: Eminent Pharmacist Award from the Indian Pharmaceutical Association.
- 2006: Lifetime Achievement Award from Uttar Pradesh Technical University.
- 2007: Lifetime Achievement Award from Chandigarh Science Congress.
- 2010: Shri Ramanbhai B. Patel Foundation Lifetime Achievement Award.
- 2014: Received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, U.S.A.
- 2016: Received an honorary Doctor of Science degree from Panjab University, India.
- 2017: Awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for his notable work in medicine. This is one of India's highest civilian honors.
