Prof DP Singh
Lucknow: Prof Devendra Pratap Singh, under whose vice-chancellorship the academic session of Lucknow University (1999-2002) was regularised after a gap of 25 years, passed away following prolonged illness while undertreatment at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences on Friday. He was 92. The university also hosted the 89th Indian Science Congress from Jan 1-3, 2002 during his tenure.
In 2001, the university successfully regularised its academic session after nearly 25 consecutive years of delays caused by student unrest due to the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) revolt held in Lucknow in 1973, political interference, delayed examinations and administrative challenges. Prof Singh, who also served in senior positions in Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS), is survived by his son, Prof Sanjay Singh, who is the vice-chancellor of Dr Shakuntala Misra National Rehabilitation University, and a daughter Mandavi Singh. During Prof Singh’s tenure, LU undertook a major exercise to streamline admissions, conduct examinations and declare results on time. Later, he also served as vice-chancellor of Avadhesh Pratap Singh University in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh and Rajarshi Tandon Open University in Prayagraj.
Born on Sept 3, 1938, in Jaunpur district, Prof Singh completed his bachelor’s degree in mining engineering from BHU in 1960. He later obtained a master’s degree in engineering science in 1968 and a PhD in 1971 from the University of Melbourne. He began his academic career as a faculty member at BHU in 1962 and went on to become professor and head of the department of mining engineering. He published more than 200 research papers in national and international journals and conference proceedings. He also delivered invited lectures in India and abroad and completed 10 sponsored research projects and 22 consultancy projects.
An academic and metallurgist, Prof Singh had served as a professor in the department of mining engineering at the Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University , before taking up administrative responsibilities. Prof Singh had over four decades of experience in teaching and research. Nineteen scholars completed their PhDs under his guidance.