Late Kanwar Surjit Singh: A Visionary Leader and Inspiration

“Some souls gracefully walk into our lives, weaving tales of motivation, and we are never ever the same. They may walk away but leave lasting imprints on our hearts with their enduring impact. Their presence remains in our memories forever, illuminating our paths.

I have had the privilege of noticing numerous people crossing paths. Among those, KanwarSurjit Singh was a guiding light and a precious friend.

Kanwar Surjit Singh, Fellow and Founder Secretary General of ISPER (now KSS-ISPER) was not just a leader but also a treasured friend who has impacted me positively. He departed for his eternal abode on December 22, 2021, having fought bravely against COVID-19.

Leaving a lasting impact on surrounding individuals, his dignity, generosity, commitment, and ability to build and nurture institutions set him apart. To honour his legacy, the name of the ISPER has changed to Kanwar Surjit Singh Institute for Spatial Planning and Environment Research, India (KSS-ISPER).

He was fondly called Kanwar Surjit or Surjit by his pals, well-wishers, and colleagues. Despite being a workaholic, he was always there for surrounding individuals. There was the personal connection we shared that truly touched me.

Professional Journey

Kanwar Surjit Singh was born on May 22, 1949, in Punjab (Kharasa-Bungal, Gurdaspur district). He pursued his education in various institutions, including Government Higher Secondary School in Pathankot, Government College in Kathua and Panjab University, Chandigarh.

His professional career took off just after completing his postgraduate degree in Geography when he joined a research project to prepare Gazetteer for Chandigarh under the guidance of Professor Gopal Krishan. It was also the onset of a lifelong fellowship between them.

For further enriched professional skills, he pursued a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Guru Ramdas School of Planning at GNDU, Amritsar. His dissertation on Walter Christaller’s Central Place Model in the Doaba (Punjab) to assess its pertinence and effectiveness in the regional settlement system was commendable. He earned the prestigious Sardar Bharpur Singh Gold Medal for his dissertation.

He joined the Area Planning office of the Town and Country Planning Department, Punjab (Hoshiarpur) after his masters and never looked back.

Accomplishments

Kanwar Surjit was an expert in the fusion of Geography and Spatial Planning. His career prospered as he performed diligently in various planning organisations. Retired as the Chief Town Planner, he served in multiple roles within the State Government of Haryana and its
associated para-spatial agencies.

● In 1976, Kanwar Surjit Singh was appointed as the Assistant Town Planner in Hisar. He earned several honours for his key participation in transforming Hisar City’s form, function, image, and texture through innovative town planning systems.
● The leader served the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA), now Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP), on deputation between 1991 to 1997 as the Chief Town Planner.
● During his tenure (1997 to 2007) at the HSIIDC, he established an Industrial Model Township (IMT) at Manesar. This benchmark industrial township for states across India attracted significant industrial investment from prominent players, including Suzuki and Honda.
● Bawal Industrial Model Township was also initiated by Surjit which witnessed the establishment of international brands.
● Understanding the importance of highways for industrial development, he started projects at Rai, Barhi and Kundli in Sonipat District.
● His planning and execution for the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal Expressway was a noteworthy milestone as a vital link for industrial estates.
● This leader established the Institute of Spatial Planning and Environment Research (ISPER) in 2000 and led GIS-based projects in several states for sustainable development.
● He was honoured thrice in 1989, 1990, and 1991 by the Governor of Haryana on the occasion of Independence Day.

The list of his exceptional contributions goes on. His unparalleled expertise resulted in Theme Industrial Parks and Technology Cities also.

Legends like Late Kanwar Surjit Singh inspire and change us. They are a constant source of inspiration and catalysts for a transformed world. They help us to become our best version, leaving marks on our hearts. The impact Kanwar Surjit had will remain forever ingrained within
us.

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