The premature death of his
father Sh. Anand Ram in the year
1942, when Kachroo was only a
teenager of eighteen years
deprived
him of the much needed
direction and protection.
Hamstrung
with this irreparable loss,
it was left to the shattering
care
of his mother Smt. Daya Devi
Kachroo to bring-up, educate
and successfully guide her
young children through all the
storms and tempests of life.
After
completing his early education
upto Intermediate examination at
Srinagar, young Kachroo went
all the way to Lahore to study
further.
He enrolled himself in the
DAV College, Lahore, where he
studied Botany and Zoology
apart from other subjects. Due
to his passion for learning and
love for the Botany subject,
Kachroo went with whole hog
efforts and hard labour. His
hard
work bore fruits and he
qualified
B.Sc. Hons with flying colours
in the year 1946, securing first
position from the then Punjab
University, Lahore. In the same
year, Kachroo tied the nuptial
knot with Ms. Prem Lata Khoda
of Mallapora, Habbakadal
Srinagar. Smt. Prem Lata proved
to be a constant companion to
him in all the roughs and toughs
of life. The unflinching
interest
for Botany made Kachroo to go
in for specialised studies. He
joined Formen Christian College,
for M.Sc. Hons in the year 1947,
where he chose cytomorphology
as his specialised field. His
extensive
and high quality research
at the M.Sc. level under the
able
guidance of Prof Prem Nath
Mehra was recognised as a
pioneering
work. He worked in the
chromosome morphology in
Lilium and Fritillaria species
of
the Himalayan ranges. It earned
him first position in the M.Sc.
examination in 1948.
Later on, he joined as senior
Research scholar under the
guidance
of Prof. P.N. Mehra, who
by then had come to occupy the
coveted position of the Head of
the University Department of
Botany, which was then housed
in Khalsa College Amritsar. The
topic of his Ph.D research was
chromosome morphology and
sporting germination in the
Indian
Hepaticae, with special
reference
to Rebouliaccea.
He was awarded the Ph.D degree
in the year 1955. His work
was widely appreciated and
acclaimed
as a remarkable research
contribution. It later on formed
the basis of Prof. Mehra's
address
at the International Botanical
Congress held at Moscow
(Russia). Soon after, Dr.
Kachroo
left Amritsar in 1950 to join
the
honoured and exalted profession
of a teacher in the
post-graduate
department of Botany at the
Univerxsity of Gauhati, Assam.
At Gauhati, the nearness of the
surrounding foliage, particulary
that of Bryophytic and
Pteridophitic flora made Dr
Kachroo to undertake the massive
resarch in this specific field.
His splendid research
accomplishments
mostly individually
and a few jointly with Prof. B.K.
Nayar inthe field of of
Taxonomy,
floristics, morphology and
phytogeography of the ferns of
Assam occupies a place of pride
in the research world.
They were hailed as exceptional
works in terms of valuable
original insights.
Notwitstanding
it, his interest and fascination
for
Bryology did not wana. His
subsequent
immaculately researched
studies in Bryology
particularly his works on
Hepaticae are even now
regarded as most comprehensive.
His almost insatiable
hunger for scientific research
made Dr. Kachroo to leave his
job at Gauhati University in
1955.
He then joined Damodar Valley
Corporation (DVC) as a Botanist
with headquarters at Burdwan,
West Bengal. Here his research
work was mainly centered on the
ecology of the mainland water
bodies of DVC specific areas. He
concentrated his work on the
study of aquatic vegetation in
relation to the breeding of
Anopheles mosquito larve in the
area extending from Kolkatta to
Hazaribagh. It also involved in
the adoption of measures for
checking the growth of water
weeds at the DVC site.
In 1956, Dr. Kachroo left for
America to avail the Smith
Mundit Fullbright Fellowship to
study the phytogeography of
Alaska at the University of
Michigan. However, due to
certain
developments, his work
shifted to Taxonomic aspect of
the family Lejuneacea
(Hepaticea), which he undertook
jointly with the fellow
researcher
Rindolf. M. Schuster, His
tiresome
research study paid-off
handsomely as Dr. Kachroo
succeeded
in detecting several new
genera and groups. He returned
back to India in 1959 to join as
Editor of the Research
publications
in the prestigious Indian
Council of Agriculture
Researcher,
New Delhi. During his
stay here, he authored valuable
books on scientific editing and
ferm gardening besides
publishing
census of Indian Hepatica.
However, the lure of his
homeland
Kashmir proved irresistible
and he returned to his native
land. He joined as Professor and
head, department of Botany,
J&K University, Srinagar in
1967.
During his impacting service of
23 years at the Kashmir
University,
the department of Botany
hummed with academic and
research-oriented activities.
His uplifting watchful gaze
and inspiration presence gave a
new resbnance to the Botany
department. The successful
completion
of record number of thirty
four Ph.D and more than fifteen
M.Phils is a knowing
confirmation
of his able guidance and
scientific
genius. The department
of Botany achieved phenomenal
increase in the Botanical
research
in the J&K State with
emphasis centered on floristics.,
cytogenetics, ecology,
morphology
and phytogeography of the
flora of the state. Dr. Kachroo
also undertook practical and
objective
measures to ensure advancement
and growth of the
studies connected with plant
physiology, plant morphology
and plant taxonomy. It proved a
milestone in the furtherance of
the research connected with the
dispersal, distribution and
diversity
of the flora extending right
from the alpine region to
Kashmir
Valley and plains of Jammu
division. His subsequent
interest
developed for
ethonobotanical properties of
the wild flora later on
stimulated
the studies related to various
sociocultural aspects of
Kashmiris.
His vast knowledge, extensive
experience and meaningful
guidance combined with the
assistance
of his highly devoted
and sincere research workers
made the phytogegraphic
documentation
of several regional floras
possible. These studies gave
on organised shape to the
concept
of approximating affinities
between Kashmir and Central
Asian floras. Apart from it, it
also
provided insightful knowledge
not only about the origin of
Kashmir flora but also about the
connecting distributional lines
of
various taxa. The revealing
research work undertaken under
the guidance of Dr. Kachroo on
the disturbing ecological trends
of the Dal Lake, Srinagar marked
another spectacular contribution
of the department of Botany,
Kashmir University. Though
originally a cytologist and
evolutionary Botany, Prof.
Kachroo utilised a
multidimensional strategy for
comprehending the principles of
the biodiversity of the J&K
State. His research studies on
the
cytological peculiarities in
ferms,
Irises Potentillas and alpine
flora
are regarded as Prof. Kachroo's
distinguished contribution,
Also, the Botanical garden of
Kashmir University with its'
serenity,
quietness and pastoral
ambience, nurtured during his
headship is a speaking example
of his practical guidance.
Despite his retirement from
active service on 31/10/1984,
Prof. Kachroo continued to work
in the Botany department in his
capacity as Director of Centre
for
Plant Taxonomy, which he
established
and nurtured.
Besides being Head, department
of Botany and Pharmacy,
Kashmir University, he also
served as Dean, Faculty of
Science,
Associate Director
(Kashmiri language), National
Science Talent Search scheme
and Project officer, Survey of
medicinal plants unit. In
addition,
Prof, Kachroo was also
Emeritus Fellow, UGC and
Emeritus
Scientist, Department of
Environment
and Forests Govt. of
India. He also served as
officiating
Vice-chancellor of Kashmir
University during the years
1978-
79, 1981-82 and 1983-84. He also
functioned as founder Project
officer, Survey of medicinal
plants, Unani medicines, Member
syndicate Jammu University,
Member Advisory Board of RRL,
Jammu and Member of the
Selection
Committees of Indian
Agriculture Scientist
Recruitment
Board.
The immensely rich compendium
of about a dozen Books,
more than two hundred research
publications, eighteen
monographs
and eleven major research
projects are regarded as
remarkable
legacies left behind by Dr.
P. Kachroo.
The outpouring of the welledup
emotions and feelings on the
sad demise of Prof. Kachroo on
August 11, 2007 at New Delhi
was intense and spontaneous,
cutting across caste, creed and
regional lines. In a condolence
meeting held by the Department
of Botany and Heads of Science
Departments of Kashmir
University
on 14/8/2007, rich tributes
were paid to the departed soul.
The Vice-Chancellor of Kashmir
University Prof. Abdul Wahid
and other faculty members
remembered
Dr. Kachroo as "an
ideal teacher, wonderful
researcher
and a perfect human
being".
Recalling his 23 years of
dedicated service to Kashmir
University, they paid sincere
homage in the following words.
"His zeal and zest for knowledge
made him to occupy yhr highest
academic pedestal in Kashmir
University. His
multi-disciplinary
approach made him an all round
Botanist of national and
international fame." "His
contribution to the development
of Botany Department and
corporate life of Kashmir
University are the beacon lights
for us to follow," remarked
Prof.
AK Munshi Head of the Deptt.
of Botany, Kashmir University.
On a similar sorrowful note,
Prof.
Azar Azar A. acknowledged Prof.
Kachroo, as "an accomplished
Botanist, who kept burning the
lamp of scholarship kindled by
him".
Dr. Shashikant, former Head
of Botany Deptt. Jammu
University,
who was also one of the
first research scholars of Dr.
Kachroo in 1967 at Srinagar paid
sincere homage in the following
words. "Apart from being a
foremost Botanist of India, Dr.
Kachroo was a writer par
excellence besides being a noble
human being, who knew no
boundaries." Speaking in the
same vein, Dr. Shashikant
continued", Dr. Kachroo's
association with the stalwarts
in
Botany both at the national and
international levels was well
recognised".
Dr. R.N. Gohil, former Head of
the Botany Department, Jammu
University and a former
colleague
at Srinagar spoke with
reverence, "Dr. Kachroo was a
practical person, a doer, who
always
remained on the toes for
research".
"He was a renowned scientist,
was everwilling to explore
the inaccessible and isolated
areas
for the study of area specific
flora," fondly remembered Dr.
Gohil.
Dr. V.K. Anand, Dean Life
Sciences Jammu University
remarked,
"my association with Dr.
Kachroo dates back to 1971,
when I joined Kashmir University
as a M.Sc. student. A man
of few words, he had all the
affirming
qualities of head and
heart".
"Prof. Kachroo led a life full
of activity and research.
Neither
the advancing age nor time
would stale his passion for
research",
voiced Dr. A.K.
Wakhloo, Head Department of
Botany Jammu University.
Dr. Bimal Misri Principal
Scientist
and Head, Regional Research
Centre, Indian Grassland
and Folder Research Institute.
CSK Himachal Pradesh KV Campus),
Palampur, paid his heartfelt
tribute in the capacity of a
former student, "A glorious era
of Kashmir Botany has come to
an end with the demise of Dr.
Kachroo. Besides being a
teacher, he was a keen
researcher,
excellent editor, simple man,
strict vegetarian and a man of
fine things of life. "Continuing
his sincere tributes, Dr. Misri
summed-up, "Dr. Kachroo never
restricted himself to a
particular
subject of Botany. His
innumerable
reserach papers on
Bryphytes, Pteridophytes,
Grasses, Forest and Aqautic
ecosystems,
Cytogenetics, Plant
Anatomy and Taxonomy firmly
establish. Dr. Kachroo as a
genius
and master of Botany, who
was wedded to research."
A visibly shocked Dr. B.L
Saproo, a student of yore and
subsequently Dr. Kachroo's
Colleague
at Srinagar also expressed
his glowing tributes in
the following words, "Prof.
Kachroo was a Botanist par
excellence, he believed in
simple
living and high thinking, love
for
all, hate for none, a true
conservationist, who used even
blank portions of letters for
jotting research notes".
Speaking about the full
flowering
of Prof. Kachroo's genius,
Dr Ashwani Wangnoo, Professor
Deptt. of Limnology, Barkat
Ullah University Bhopal also
expressed
his sincere tributes,
"Prof. Kachroo was a Professor
of national fame, even his
advanced
age and failing health did
not lessen his urge for
scientific
did not a lessen his urge for
scientific
pursuits. Inspite of his failing
health, he came to Bhopal at
my behest far Ph.D viva only
last
year i.e. 2007." Dr. Kachroo was
a co-guide of Dr. Shiban K.Dhar,
Senior Scientist and Dy.
Director
Central Silk Board Jammu. "Dr.
Kachroo was a perfect Scientific
Icon, an all-round achiever, who
lived to strive, search and
find,"
remarked fondly Dr. S.K. Dhar.
Dr. Virjee Koul, Lecturer at
GGM Science College Jammu
summed up his tributes in the
following words, "Despite being
a scientist of international
fame,
Prof. Kachroo led a simple life
and was accessible to everyone.
Till his last breath, he
contributed
relentlessly in the field of
Botany, a subject he loved."
A student of yesteryears and
presently a lecturer at GGM
Science
College (evening) Jammu,
Dr. Ranjana Koul recalled,
"Prof.
Kachroo was a metaphor for all
that is good. Inspite of being a
reputed scientist, he remained a
student and a scholar, who was
always absorbed and immersed
in research". Dr. R.K. Ogra,
senior scientist, Himalayan
Bioresources Institute,
Palampur, Dr. Ravinder Raina,
Senior Scientist, Dr Y.S. Parmar
University of Horticulture and
Forestry, Nauni Solan. Dr. Kirti
Koul, Head of Botany Deptt.
Jivaji University Gwalior and
Dr.
Upender Dhar, Director, GB Pant
Institute of Himalayan Ecology
and Dev., Almora the former
students
of Prof. Kachroo were also
shocked at his sad demise.
My respectful memories of
Professor Kachroo date back to
my student days, when he used
to teach us Economic Botany.
These fond recollections which
stir emotional and sincere
memories
are now a part of my memory
treasure.
Dr. Kachroo's lone son Sh.
Perry Kachroo married to Mrs.
Renuka and having two sons is
settled in USA. The eldest
daughter of Prof. Kachroo, Mrs.
Priyadashani is married to Dr.
MJ
Zarabi, who is a Managing
Director
of Software Computers,
India, Mohali Chandigarh. She
is blessed with two daughters,
Manat Zarabi Dr. Mansha
Zarabi. Another son of Prof.
Kachroo namely Pimmy Kachroo
had at sudden and premature
death decades pack when he
was a student of Agriculture
Engineering
at Ludhiana. His
demise shocked Prof. Kachroo,
who carried the burden of the
painful trauma throughout his
life. Unquestionably, Dr. P.N.
Kachroo, the renowned Botanist
was truly an icon of not only of
the J&K. State but also the
entire
nation. He was a multi-layered personality, who as a
scientist lived his life to the
full
and for whom life was entirely a scientific sojourn.
PHOTO ESSAY
st of
National and international fame.
