Remembering Dr Pritam Singh: Association And Memories

Prof DP Singh Jun 04, 2020

I have known Dr Pritam Singh for a very long time. I had the opportunity to interact with him closely on a number of occasions during my tenure as Vice-Chancellor, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) as Dr Singh was one of the illustrious alumnus of BHU. Recently, as Chairman, UGC, I had been interacting with him on creating world-class institutions. True to his reputation I found him to be visionary, dynamic, awe-inspiring and yet very humble and genuine.

Recognizing the noteworthy contributions in the field of management education, Dr Pritam Singh was conferred the prestigious ‘Padma Shri’ award in 2003 by the Government of India. He was a charismatic leader with ‘Midas Touch’ and a great visionary who gave a new direction to the management institutions in the country.

During his professional career spanning over 45 years, he has contributed immensely in the development of Management Education in India. Apart from being a good teacher, well-acclaimed scholar, a dynamic leader, a great orator, a top-notch management guru, he was an institution builder par excellence. His contributions in reshaping institutions such as Indian Institute of Management, Lucknow; Administrative Staff College of India, Hyderabad; Management Development Institute, Gurgaon and International Management Institute, New Delhi are well known and widely acknowledged.

He has mentored an innumerable number of Entrepreneurs and Top Executives for the Global Business and Corporate houses, and also served on the Boards of a large number of Companies. Similarly, his contributions in shaping the government policies pertaining to Higher Education in general and Management education, in particular, deserves a special mention. He was Chairman and Member of many government bodies and committees. He was a member of Prime Minister’s Empowered Expert Committee constituted for the selection of Institutions of Eminence in India. He played a pivotal role in formulating policy for the selection of Institutions of Eminence.

Dr Pritam Singh was truly a thought leader, great mentor and legendary personality. Till his last breath, he remained active and contributed to the growth and development of this great nation. He has left behind a legacy, a legacy which not only ought to be preserved but to be expanded and I know that it is going to be a tall order for all of us.