Nationally Acclaimed Food Scientist and Punjabi Writer Dr. Fakir Chand Shukla Given Tearful Farewell

Ludhiana, October 9, 2025: The demise of senior professor of Food Technology at Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, and eminent Punjabi writer Dr. Fakir Chand Shukla has left the literary and academic community deeply saddened.

During his student days at PAU, Dr. Shukla emerged as one of the founding members of the Young Writers’ Association. As a life member of the Punjabi Sahit Academy, Ludhiana, he actively participated in the activities of Punjabi Bhavan. Just last month, he was honoured at the national level for his contributions. He was also a pioneer in the creation of scientific literature.

These sentiments were shared by Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Chairman of Punjabi Lok Virasat Academy and Dr. Shukla’s colleague for nearly 21 years at PAU, after the funeral. Dr. Shukla’s mortal remains were consigned to flames by his son Amitesh Shukla.

On behalf of the Punjabi Sahit Academy, a shawl was presented on Dr. Shukla’s mortal remains by Dr. Gulzar Singh Pandher, General Secretary, along with Dr. Gurcharan Kaur Kochar, K. Sadhu Singh, Amarjit Sherpuri, and Malkiat Singh Aulakh. From the Punjabi Lok Virasat Academy, tributes were offered by Prof. Gurbhajan Singh Gill, Dr. Gurekbal Singh, Prof. Ravinder Singh Bhathal, and Dr. Sarjeet Singh Gill.

Representatives of various organizations — Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha (Regd.), Kendri Punjabi Lekhak Sabha (Sekhon Group), Progressive Writers’ Association, Sirjandhara, Bijli Board Lekhak Sabha, Janvadi Kavita Manch, Shiromani Punjabi Likhari Board (Regd.), Punjabi Lekhak Kalakar Society, Vishav Punjabi Sabha Toronto, Vishav Punjabi Congress (Regd.), and PAU Retired Teachers’ Association — also laid floral tributes on behalf of their institutions.
Sharing details about Dr. Shukla’s life, Dr. Gurcharan Kaur Kochar mentioned that he had celebrated his 81st birthday just last month. A versatile science writer, Dr. Shukla authored in Punjabi, English, and Hindi, and was widely known for his writings in children’s literature. As a retired professor of food technology from PAU, he wrote over 30 books on food, nutrition, short stories, plays, and children’s literature, along with more than 400 articles in Punjabi, Hindi, and English on food and nutrition.

According to his close associate Prabhkiran Singh Toofan, Dr. Shukla’s literary works include the novels Pankh Kati Gauraiya, Alag Alag Sandarbh, and Kaise Lage Mann; short story collections Band Khidkiyon Wala Mann, Vishpaan, and Nayi Subah; and plays such as Jot Se Jot Jale, Andheri Surang, and Pedon Ke Beej. His children’s science plays like Doctor Beeji, Garma Garam Pakode, Happy Birthday, and Jado Roshni Hoi gained wide popularity, with several broadcast on radio and television.

At the funeral, several admirers and well-wishers, including Trilochan Lochi, Manjinder Dhanoa, Sahajpreet Singh Mangat, Dr. Zora Singh Brar, Dr. Hardeep Singh Sur, Dr. V. K. Dilawari, Dr. Ramesh Sadavarti, Dr. Nanak Singh, Harinder Singh Bhullar (Deputy Director, Sports), Anil Dutt, Dr. Balbir Singh Sidhu (former Director of Agriculture), Charan Singh (PAU), and Baldev Singh (Punjab & Sind Bank), were present to pay their last respects and express condolences to the bereaved family.