Shri Upkar Krishan Sharma, fondly remembered for his exuberant personality, epitomised the illustrious legacy of his father, Pt Mohan Lal Ji,former Home, Education & Finance Minister of Punjab. Uupkar ji took over as the President of GGDSD College Society in the year 2000.
Shri Upkar Krishan Sharma’s academic journey included a Bachelors degree in mechanical engineering from Panjab University and an MBA from Madras University, which later strengthened his commitment to both technical and managerial aspects of education.
His corporate career involved retiring as Vice-President of Eveready Industries India Limited, where he was accountable for the operation of 10 factories engaged in manufacturing dry cell batteries. He served on the Board of Directors of Kilburn Chemicals, Calcutta, representing the company in the World Congress of Metal Finishers at Paris. As the President of the GGDSD College Society, he demonstrated a disciplined and structured approach derived from his extensive corporate background.
Under the former President’s visionary leadership, the college achieved notable distinctions, including an A+ grade by NAAC and recognition as “A College with Potential for Excellence” by the UGC. The “FIST Programme” by the Department of Science and Technology and the “KAUSHAL Kendra” status for B.Voc. courses were additional milestones during his tenure.
His passion for the college’s national and regional ranking was evident, with his aspiration to see it among the top ten in the country. His vision for faculty development programs, fostered a culture of continuous improvement and excellence. His firm belief in parity across gender and class, drove his efforts towards the noble cause of education for girls.
His foresight for the evolving education system led to the development of advanced infrastructure, making GGDSD College the first fully automated college in the area. His vision for a smart campus resulted in the installation of a 200 KW solar power plant, contributing to self-sustaining power regeneration. His dynamic leadership and pragmatic approach helped the academic system flourish and the number of institutions under the society increased from three to seven. His tenure saw a phenomenal rise in the number of students in educational intuitions under the society from 4400 in 1999 to an impressive 12,400 in 2022.
Sh. Upkar Krishan Sharma remained a Fellow at Panjab University Chandigarh from 2004 onwards, contributing to the academic community. He was a member of the Panjab University Syndicate in 2007-2008, showcasing his involvement in university governance.Since 2008, he served as the Vice-President of Sanatan Dharma Partinidhi Sabha and Vice-President of Santan Dharma Education Board, showcasing his dedication to cultural and educational organizations. He was a member of the Technical Committee of C.I. Southern Region, focusing on technology development, absorption, and education in the industry. Shri Upkar Krishan Sharma’s vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the ethos of multiple institutions, the most recent being the establishment of the PMLSD Business School in the year 2020.
Upkar Ji will be fondly remembered as a towering personality, who could easily balance the stern demeanour in his office with a soft and humorous bearing outside that room. A man with a passion for learning and innovation, Upkar Ji regularly attended faculty events, and also interacted with college alumni to learn from them and to motivate them to do to contribute their best to the education system and society. The faculty, students, management body members and alumni of the college will be forever grateful for his open door policy, approachability and the willingness to lend an ear to anyone who sought his help, guidance and support. He often went beyond his expected responsibility to extend a helping hand to individuals from less privileged sections of society, whether they approached him at work or at home. The individuals whose lives he touched, shall forever remember his heart touching anecdotes that celebrated his vast experience as a corporate leader, educationist and a successful family man. Despite his passing on 14th July 2022, his legacy lives on through the GGDSD College Society, embodying hope, and optimism for future generations.
On his birth anniversary, the launch of the UKS online portal by GGDSD College, under the visionary leadership of his daughter Ms. Vaishali Sharma, guidance of Principal Sh. Ajay Sharma and all the members of GGDSD College Society Chandigarh, reflects a commitment to furthering Shri Upkar Krishan Sharma’s vision. This portal aims to provide students with a comprehensive online platform for academic support, including remedial classes, doubt classes, and access to essential documents for enhanced learning and knowledge. This launch places GGDSD College among national and international prestigious institutions, marking a significant step in advancing education in the digital age.