Prof Kuldeep Krishan Sharma
prof.ksharma@gmail.com
In the annals of Jammu and Kashmir’s educational and scientific development, few figures shine as luminously as Professor Yog Raj Malhotra. A son of the soil, born in Baramulla to Janaki and Rugh Nath Malhotra-a distinguished Provincial Forest Services officer during both Maharaja Hari Singh’s rule and the post-independence period-Professor Malhotra’s life and career embody a compelling narrative of intellectual rigour, visionary leadership, and deep commitment to regional progress.
Early Life and Formative Years
Professor Malhotra’s journey began in the picturesque Kashmir Valley, where he received his early schooling in some of the region’s most respected institutions, starting with Presentation Convent School and Haddow Memorial School (now Tyndale Biscoe) in Srinagar. His schooling continued across significant centers of learning, including Government High School in Muzaffarabad (now in Pakistan) and CMS Anantnag, before matriculating. Demonstrating academic excellence early on, he pursued higher secondary education at the Prince of Wales College (present-day GGM Science College), Jammu, before graduating from the esteemed Sri Pratap College, Srinagar.
His thirst for knowledge propelled him to Allahabad University, where he completed a Master of Science in Zoology-a prestigious qualification from one of India’s oldest universities. Returning to Kashmir, he completed his doctoral research in Zoology at the University of Kashmir in 1965, cementing his foundation as a scholar and scientist. In 1960, he married Ramma Chopra, daughter of the then Superintendent of Police, Surinder Nath Chopra, marking the beginning of a partnership supportive of his academic pursuits.
Academic and Professional Rise: From Demonstrator to Vice Chancellor
Professor Malhotra’s professional trajectory reflects not only academic excellence but also an unwavering dedication to institutional development and education reform. Starting as a college demonstrator at GGM Science College, he rapidly advanced to Lecturer in Zoology at the Government Degree College in Poonch. His career took a defining turn when he joined the University of Kashmir as a Lecturer in 1961. By 1970, he had transferred to the University of Jammu as Reader, entrusted with the pioneering task of establishing the Biological Sciences Department-a department he would head for fourteen years.
His visionary leadership was further recognized when he became the founding Dean of Academic Affairs at the University of Jammu (1988-1990), before ascending to the Vice Chancellor position in August 1992. As Vice Chancellor, Professor Malhotra was a transformative figure, pioneering initiatives that reshaped the educational landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Championing Vocational and Inclusive Education
One of Professor Malhotra’s landmark contributions was the introduction of vocational courses at the University of Jammu, years ahead of the national emphasis on skill-based education. Recognizing the crucial link between employability and practical skills, he promoted curricula that bridged academic learning and industry needs, especially benefitting students from diverse and rural backgrounds. This approach ensured that education was not only a pathway to theoretical knowledge but also a tool for social and economic empowerment.
His emphasis on inclusivity extended beyond curriculum reform. He tirelessly advocated for equitable access to quality education in underserved areas, facilitating teacher training and fostering an educational environment sensitive to Jammu and Kashmir’s unique socio-cultural fabric. Under his stewardship, the university began transitioning into a future-ready institution, embracing interdisciplinary studies and aligning with global academic standards without compromising regional identity.
Pioneer in Zoology and Environmental Sciences
Beyond administration, Professor Malhotra’s scientific acumen brought Jammu and Kashmir into the national limelight, particularly through his groundbreaking research in Zoology with a specialized focus on fisheries-a field of considerable economic and ecological significance in the region. His pioneering work advanced the understanding of aquatic ecosystems and sustainable fisheries management, integrating scientific research with practical applications to bolster local livelihoods.
Recognizing the increasing importance of environmental challenges, Professor Malhotra was instrumental in establishing Environmental Sciences as a distinct academic discipline at the University of Jammu. This interdisciplinary field, blending biology, ecology, policy, and conservation, was ahead of its time in fostering environmental stewardship. His efforts ensured that students were equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to tackle pressing ecological issues, laying the foundation for environmental awareness and sustainable development in Jammu and Kashmir.
In addition, Professor Malhotra founded the Genetic Centre at the University of Jammu, a landmark institution supported by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Jammu & Kashmir. This center became a hub for advanced genetic research and diagnostics, providing crucial services for patients with rare genetic disorders. This initiative highlighted his commitment to harnessing cutting-edge science and technology to address regional healthcare challenges.
Academic Leadership and Policy Influence
Professor Malhotra’s impact extended well beyond the university campus. He was a key figure in shaping education policy in Jammu and Kashmir, serving on numerous high-level committees at both the state and national levels, including the University Grants Commission (UGC), the National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), and government departments such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF), and the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
His role as a policymaker was complemented by his service as a subject expert on selection boards for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) and State Public Service Commissions (PSCs), where he helped ensure merit-based selection of administrative and academic talent. Through these positions, Professor Malhotra significantly influenced research priorities, educational frameworks, and governance policies, shaping the trajectory of higher education and science in Jammu and Kashmir.
He also played an advisory role for nearly two decades with Model Group Institutes like MIET Jammu, guiding their academic strategies and fostering excellence.
Recognition and Honors
The Government of Jammu and Kashmir honored Professor Malhotra’s outstanding contributions to education and science with the prestigious State Gold Medal in 1995. His academic eminence brought him national recognition as a Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India, and the Academy of Zoology.
Internationally, he broke new ground as the first biological sciences educationist from Jammu to receive the Fulbright-Hays Fellowship, conducting research at the University of Minnesota, USA. In 2024, the Indian Society for Comparative Endocrinology (ISCE) honored him as a Distinguished Faculty, recognizing his extraordinary journey from researcher to university executive.
His global exposure and representation of the University of Jammu at international forums across Malta, Germany, the UK, and the USA brought valuable insights and best practices that he skillfully adapted to the regional context, modernizing curricula and broadening academic collaborations.
Environmental and Rural Development Contributions
Professor Malhotra’s scientific contributions extended to critical environmental conservation projects. He coordinated a major eco-development research initiative for the sustainable development of the Doda district, and his expert analysis was pivotal in securing governmental clearance for significant hydroelectric projects such as Bagliar and Sawalakot.
His research on avifauna and biodiversity in Jammu and Kashmir broke new ground. He spearheaded studies on bird migration patterns and wetlands conservation (Gharana, Mansar, and Surinsar), while documenting faunal diversity in the largely unexplored Doda district and Ladakh region. These efforts provided vital data for Himalayan wildlife conservation and fostered a culture of environmental stewardship. In rural development, he promoted sustainable livelihood through pisciculture, apiculture, fungiculture, and cuniculture, integrating science with socio-economic advancement, particularly benefiting marginalized communities.
Legacy and Enduring Impact
Professor Yog Raj Malhotra’s life and career encapsulate the essence of a scholar committed to public service, knowledge advancement, and inclusive growth. His journey-from a young student in Kashmir’s schools to the Vice Chancellor of a premier university-illustrates the transformative power of education when led by vision and dedication.
As an academic leader, he not only modernized curricula and research infrastructure but also made education accessible and relevant to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. His efforts to introduce vocational education, computerization, and interdisciplinary studies reflect a prescient understanding of evolving educational needs.
As a scientist, his pioneering work in fisheries, environmental sciences, and genetics addressed regional challenges while contributing to national and global knowledge. His stewardship of environmental conservation projects and rural development initiatives further underscore his commitment to sustainable progress.
His tenure as a Member of the Legislative Council of Jammu and Kashmir added a political dimension to his advocacy, enabling him to champion education reforms at the policy level. His voice resonated strongly on behalf of educators and students, cementing his legacy as a tireless advocate for quality education.
Conclusion
In reflecting on Professor Yog Raj Malhotra’s extraordinary contributions, one finds an inspiring model of academic leadership and scientific innovation rooted in regional pride and national service. He was more than an educationist or a scientist; he was a builder of institutions, a nurturer of talent, and a catalyst for social transformation.
His story is a testament to the power of knowledge and the impact one dedicated individual can have on shaping the educational and environmental future of an entire region. For Jammu and Kashmir, and indeed for India, Professor Malhotra remains a beacon of intellectual excellence and visionary reform.
(The author, is a former Dean, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Jammu and a former Vice Chancellor, Himalayan University, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh)
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