Benjamin Peary Pal, 26 May 1906 - 14 September 1989

Abstract

The gate of life swings to and fro and soon, too soon, it closes and that is why, beside my door, I grow red roses This quotation from Benjamin Peary Pal’s article ‘The rose - its beauty and its science’(6)* is a vivid expression of his personal philosophy. His life was a combination of dignity, courtesy, compassion and love of beauty. He was a scientist’s scientist and through his dedication and scientific innovations earned the respect and admiration of not only fellow professionals but also political leaders and the general public, particularly farm men and women. In science, he was one of the earliest to demonstrate the value of heterosis breeding in a self- pollinated cereal like wheat. This was the forerunner of similar work in rice, which ultimately led to the commercialization of hybrid rice in China. In the 1930s he launched a search for new genes in wheat and potato in order to achieve pyramiding of genes for resistance/tolerance to a broad spectrum of biotic and abiotic stresses in these crops. He succeeded in breeding the bread wheat variety NP 809 possessing genes for resistance to the then important biotypes of stem, stripe and leaf rusts. In life, he remained a bachelor wedded to the breeding of new varieties of wheat, rose and bougainvillea and to painting. In addition, he looked after with great affection and care his two sisters, who stayed with him until their death. His wit and wisdom gave cheer and hope to all who came into contact with him. He shaped the course of Indian agricultural research for over three decades and designed instruments for achieving interdisciplinary and inter-institutional cooperation in basic and applied research. He strengthened educational infrastructure and programmes at the postgraduate level. His goal was excellence and relevance in all fields of agricultural research, education and extension of knowledge from the laboratory to the field. He ranks among the most eminent biological scientists India has produced. *Numbers in this form refer to the bibliography at the end of the text.