Farewell party celebrates Dr. G.S. Buttar and Dr. P.K. Chhuneja’s distinguished careers at PAU

Ludhiana, November 30, 2023: A cordial superannuation soiree was extended to Dr. Gurmeet Singh Buttar and Dr. Pardeep Kumar Chhuneja, distinguished members of the academic community, at a special gathering held at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana. Dr. Buttar, was positioned as Director of Extension Education, and Dr. Chhuneja was serving as Dean Post Graduate Studies at the time of retirement.

The Vice-Chancellor of PAU, Dr. Satbir Singh Gosal, acknowledged invaluable contributions by both the academicians. He highlighted the indelible mark Dr. Chhuneja has left through his dedication to both academic and administrative endeavours. For Dr. Butar, he observed that he has served as a role model for students and a trusted colleague to his peers. The officers of the university also shared personal anecdotes on their equations with the retiring colleagues.

In a heartwarming address, Dr. G.S. Buttar expressed his gratitude to colleagues, past and present, for their support and camaraderie throughout his PAU journey. From his early days as a student, learning from the finest minds in agriculture, to assuming various roles, each responsibility has moulded him into the professional he is today.

Dr. P.K. Chhuneja found personal fulfillment in his career at PAU. Equating the university to a sanctuary for learning where dreams take flight, Dr. Chhuneja encouraged his colleagues and students to continue nurturing the spirit of curiosity, innovation, and collaboration that defines the institution.

Dr. Buttar boasts a stellar academic journey, graduating with honours in B.Sc. Agriculture and proceeding to earn an M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Agronomy from PAU. His academic excellence was marked by numerous publications — over 145 research papers in esteemed international and national journals — and the development of around 50 innovative practices, integrated into Punjab's agricultural framework. With a diverse professional tenure spanning roles like Director of Extension Education, Head of Agronomy, and Director of Regional Research Station, Bathinda, at PAU, his contributions earned him prestigious accolades such as the Chaudhary Devi Lal Award and FAI-Dhiru Morarji Memorial Award. Dr. Buttar is a recognized fellow of multiple esteemed agricultural societies, including the National Academy of Agricultural Sciences and Indian Society of Agronomy.

Dr. Chhuneja, recognized with the Prof. Baldev Singh Dhillon Distinguished Professor Chair award by PAU, his expertise extends from leading the Department of Entomology at PAU for a substantial four-year term to receiving commendation from ICAR for national-level contributions in Apiculture. He earned gold medals in B.Sc. Agric. (Hons) and M.Sc. Entomology, while achieving numerous accolades and scholarships throughout his education. He spearheaded multiple research projects, contributed 31 national-level recommendations in Apiculture, and published prolifically with 125 research papers in esteemed international and national journals. His substantial contributions to bee husbandry, bee pathology, nutrition, and more have significantly impacted Apiculture. Dr. Chhuneja's global engagements and consultancy work in international apicultural development, including in Kenya, further underline his influence in the field.

Both the scientists were honoured with tokens of affection. The Vice-Chancellor released a book titled “Pathfinders – The Vice-Chancellors of Punjab Agricultural University” authored by Dr. Sheetal Thapar and Dr. Tejinder Singh Riar. The entire programme was well coordinated by Dr T.S. Riar.