I have always loved learning about Indian culture and history. Over time, I’ve realised that many remarkable people shaped our country, yet their names are not widely known. One such inspiring soul is Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa (1909 – 1986). He was a civil servant, scientist, historian, writer, and a true lover of Indian culture, whose work touched farming, art, and city planning.
When I first read about him, I felt a mix of admiration and deep respect. It’s rare to find someone who could nurture Indian agriculture, preserve traditional art, and help design a modern city – all in a single lifetime. His life reminded me that making a difference doesn’t always mean being extremely famous; sometimes it’s about quietly shaping the world for the better, leaving a legacy that touches millions.
Helping Indian Farmers
What Dr. Randhawa did for Indian farmers is truly remarkable. During the Green Revolution in the 1960s and 70s, he played a key role in improving crop production and farming methods, helping millions of families secure better harvests and livelihoods. Reading about his work made me feel proud and connected to our roots – to the land, the farmers, and the generations who depend on them. It’s a beautiful reminder that knowledge and dedication can create ripples that benefit countless lives.
Saving Indian Art
Equally fascinating was his love for Indian art. Dr. Randhawa studied and documented Basohli, Kangra, and Chamba paintings, some of India’s oldest miniature art forms. His research and writings helped preserve these treasures for future generations. I feel deeply inspired knowing that someone could care so passionately about protecting culture while also working on practical projects like farming and city planning. It makes me reflect on our own role in keeping our heritage alive, even while chasing modern dreams.
Planning a Modern City
Dr. Randhawa’s contribution to Chandigarh, India’s first modern city, is another testament to his vision. Collaborating with architects, he helped create a city that was not only modern and functional but also deeply reflective of Indian identity. Thinking about his work fills me with admiration – here is a person whose ideas and careful planning continue to impact people’s daily lives, decades later. It’s a gentle reminder that thoughtful action and vision can leave a lasting imprint.
His Book: Aap Beeti
In 1985, Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa wrote his autobiography, Aap Beeti, in Punjabi. This book is much more than a simple recounting of his life – it’s a heartfelt journey through the eyes of a man who dedicated himself to India’s progress and culture. Reading it feels almost like sitting down with him over a cup of chai, listening as he shares stories of his childhood, his dreams, and the challenges he faced while building a life devoted to service and knowledge.
What makes Aap Beeti special
What makes Aap Beeti truly special is its personal touch. Dr. Randhawa writes about moments of joy, struggle, and discovery with such warmth that you can almost feel the excitement when he first studied a rare painting or the satisfaction when a farming initiative succeeded. He takes the reader through his experiences as a civil servant, a scholar, and a cultural historian, showing how each role, no matter how different, was driven by the same purpose: to make India better and preserve what is precious about its heritage.
For anyone who wants to understand the heart of India – its farmers, its art, and its vision for modern progress – this book is a window into that world. It inspires readers to reflect on their own passions and consider how they, too, can leave a meaningful impact. I found myself deeply moved by his humility, his dedication, and the way he balanced so many aspects of life with grace and purpose.
If you are proud of India’s history, culture, or its people, Aap Beeti is a book that deserves to be read at least once. It’s a reminder that even in quiet, thoughtful ways, one person’s life can touch countless others and that true inspiration often comes from those who work behind the scenes to make the world a better place.
His legacy and why it matters
Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa’s life is a gentle reminder that we can balance culture, knowledge, and progress. For the Kiwi-Indian community, learning about him is a way to reconnect with our roots and feel proud of the rich legacy we carry. His story teaches us that true impact comes from helping others, preserving what is valuable, and leaving a legacy that lasts.
Sharing his journey made me reflect on our own lives – on how each of us can contribute to our communities, honor our heritage, and make a difference, however quietly, yet meaningfully. I hope more people in New Zealand read about him and feel inspired, just as I did.
And this is just the beginning. We will continue to bring more stories of unsung heroes in this series – Stay Tuned. 🙂
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa?
He was a civil servant, scientist, writer, and art lover who helped improve farming, preserve Indian art, and plan modern cities.
What is Aap Beeti?
Aap Beeti is his autobiography. It tells stories about his life, work, travels, and love for Indian culture and farming.
How did he help farmers and artists?
He improved farming methods to help millions feed their families and studied Indian miniature paintings to preserve them for future generations.
Why should Indians know about him?
His life shows how culture and progress can go hand in hand. Learning about him connects us to our roots and inspires us to make a difference.
Sources
- Wikipedia – Mohinder Singh Randhawa
- Aap Beeti, Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa, 1985
- Agricultural Research in India & Green Revolution: A Case Study of Punjab, Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa
- Basohli Painting, Kangra, Chamba Painting, Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa
- Indian Painting: The Scene, Themes, and Legends, Dr. Mohinder Singh Randhawa & John Kenneth Galbraith
