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.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. 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.Later, he also served as vice-chancellor of Avadhesh Pratap Singh University in Rewa, Madhya Pradesh and Rajarshi Tandon Open University in Prayagraj.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.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.Prof Singh had over four decades of experience in teaching and research. He published more than 200 research papers in national and international journals and conference proceedings. Nineteen scholars completed their PhDs under his guidance. He also delivered invited lectures in India and abroad and completed 10 sponsored research projects and 22 consultancy projects.His death was mourned by academics, former students and RSS functionaries.RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat expressed grief over his death and recalled his long association with Prof Singh.“The news of Devendra Pratap Singh ji’s demise has filled my heart with sorrow. I had the privilege of seeing him discharge his responsibilities for a long period as the Kshetra Sanghchalak of the Uttar Pradesh region. All of us experienced his affectionate, calm, deeply serious and active personality. With his passing, we have lost a guardian among us,” Bhagwat said.Bhagwat also prayed for the departed soul and for strength for Prof Singh’s family and others to bear the loss.Deputy chief ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak and Andaman and Nicobar Lieutenant Governor Dinesh Sharma were among those who condoled his death.Maurya described Prof Singh’s death as an irreparable loss to the Sangh family, while Pathak said he had made significant contributions to education, society and the nation. Sharma recalled him as a mentor and source of inspiration who discharged his responsibilities with simplicity, humility and dedication.Manoj Dixit, former LU professor and Vice-Chancellor of Maharaja Ganga Singh University in Bikaner, Rajasthan, also recalled Prof Singh’s contribution to academia.“In my fairly long academic career spanning almost four decades, I remember two vice chancellors who guided me in my becoming what I am. One of them was Prof D P Singh,” said Dixit. He said his way of thinking, talking and getting things done without becoming angry was something to be emulated.The final rites were performed by his son Prof Sanjay Singh on Friday, in presence of academics, former students, RSS functionaries and other associates paying their last respects.
