Confluence of Service, Music, and Environmentalism
He is a retired army officer, is recognized for his remarkable contributions across various interdisciplinary fields. His pioneering research focuses on the eco-compliant disposal of explosives waste, transforming it into plant fertilizer. He has also played a vital role in facilitating collaboration among innovative researchers in the INDO-EU water cooperation project SPRING while establishing the INDO-EU Water Forum (INWF.IN). Additionally, he has been instrumental in providing education to underprivileged children. Most notably, for over five decades, he has tirelessly promoted Indian art, culture, and patriotism through his own performances of patriotic, light, folk songs, and Indian music, inspiring countless youths, and society at large.
Q. Could you please provide information about your educational background and how it has contributed to your expertise in interdisciplinary fields such as environmental sciences, management, mechanical engineering, and academia?
My educational journey began in a remote village near Gurdaspur, Punjab where I was raised in challenging circumstances without access to electricity. Despite the hardships, I remained determined to succeed. My upbringing in a troubled border region instilled in me a strong drive to excel. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Punjab University and a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from SPPU. Right in my childhood, my passion for music led me to pursue a Master’s degree in Indian classical music from Allahabad.
Additionally, I conducted research in Environmental Sciences during my doctoral studies at SPPU (Pune University). These diverse educational experiences have shaped my expertise in interdisciplinary fields.Also, during my tenure in the army and DRDO, I actively participated in Research and Development projects, specifically focused on eco- compliant disposal of war/military explosives waste. This experience provided me with a unique perspective on the environmental challenges posed by military activities and the need for sustainable solutions.
Q. What motivated you to pursue research in the disposal of hazardous waste and resource planning? Can you share any notable achievements or projects in these areas?
Very little is known in the open literature about the environmental damage caused by these high-energy materials. These are highly toxic and harmful to living beings and the environment. My motivation stems from first-hand experiences as a frontline army officer handling and using these high-end explosives. Witnessing the environmental damage caused by these hazardous materials and their waste during training and war deeply impacted me. After my post-Kargil service, I joined DRDO which provided me with an opportunity to address the eco-compliant disposal of millions of tons of military explosives waste, which is a global environmental concern.
Under the guidance of senior DRDO scientists, my team conducted extensive research. Our notable achievement was finding an effective method to convert bomb waste into plant fertilizer, benefiting sustainable crop growth, particularly in wheat cultivation.
This breakthrough research earned recognition, including the publication of my research paper in the esteemed American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) in 2012. I was honoured with an ASCE honorary fellow membership, and today, my PhD thesis and paper serve as references for scholars worldwide. Our work emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly disposal practices and resource planning in managing hazardous explosive waste.
I joined DRDO which provided me with an opportunity to address the eco-compliant disposal of millions of tons of military explosives waste, which is a global environmental concern.
Q. As the Chief of the INDO NORDIC EU WATER FORUM, what role do you play, and how does the forum contribute to addressing the challenges faced by the Indian water sector?
After studying under Govt. of India-sponsored INDO-EU Water Cooperation Project SPRING for about three years, The INDO- EU NORDIC WATER FORUM (https://inwf.in/) aims to primarily address water-related challenges in India by providing a platform for collaboration and sustainable solutions among all stakeholders, including industrial partners.
As the Chief Trustee, my role involves overseeing the forum’s operations and working towards expanding its membership network. Currently, the forum serves as a one-stop solution for addressing all water- related issues and queries, fostering dialogue and cooperation among Indian and Nordic nations. Our goal is to actively engage present and future generations in water conservation and management. We have initiated community programs in Pune, Maharashtra and have undertaken the task of mapping pollution sources in the Ganga and Godavari Rivers. Additionally, we have signed MOUs with MIT Pune for the Mula-Mutha River and Gujarat Jal Board for Narmada water.
Q. You have received honours and awards at both national and international levels. Could you highlight some of the most significant recognition you have received for your research and contributions?
I am humbled to have received the Chief of Indian Army Staff Medal for outstanding service. I also take pride in serving as the First Trustee of the IN-EU Water Forum. My research has been acknowledged by esteemed organizations such as DRDO, and MOD-the Government of India. I received the prestigious Bajaj Auto Ltd.’s Total Productive Maintenance (TPM) Award, and I have been recognized as the Best Gunwant Kamgar (most skilled industrial worker in Satara District, 2014). Additionally, I have received letters of appreciation from DGEME and COAS. Being a Fellow of ASCE and a member of ISDG further highlights my contributions.
Furthermore, in the field of music, art, and culture, where I have served my country for over 50 years, my musical talents have earned me much recognition. I won the title of All-India Folk Singer Best Artist in 1977, and I have been recognised as the Singing Eagle of the Indian Army. I may be the only serving frontline officer to write, compose, and sing for the army, navy, air force, universities, schools, and colleges. My songs in serials/albums have even had Bollywood stars singing and dancing on my playback, thereby motivating millions of young people with patriotism and belief in the Unity of India. JAI HIND!
Our notable achievement was finding an effective method to convert bomb waste into plant fertilizer, benefiting sustainable crop growth, particularly in wheat cultivation.
