Author: S. Jarnail Singh (LM-1162)

Late Shri P. H. Vaishnav (Prafullachandra Harsukhrai Vaishnav), born on 22 December 1932 in Junagadh, Gujarat, was a distinguished IAS officer of the 1956 batch who made Punjab his lifelong karmabhoomi. During an illustrious administrative career, he held several key positions, including the first Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti, Financial Commissioner (Development), Chief Electoral Officer of Punjab in 1982, and finally Chief Secretary of Punjab from May 1985 until his retirement in 1990. Deeply immersed in Punjabi culture, Shri Vaishnav spoke Gurmukhi fluently and earned the affectionate sobriquet “Jathedar Vaishnav”, a term often used by contemporaries such as Shri M. S. Gill. Jovial, approachable, and humane, he acted as a vital bridge between the old ICS tradition and the younger generation of IAS officers, winning admiration for both his administrative acumen and personal warmth. Retirement did not diminish his commitment to public service. True to his life philosophy—“Remaining busy keeps me very happy. I feel bored if I do not do anywork.”— Shri Vaishnav continued to serve society tirelessly and without remuneration. He led several voluntary organizations, notably as President of the Chandigarh Senior Citizens Association (Karuna Sadan), Chairman of the Youth Technical Training Society (YTTS) working for slum children, Chairman of SOSVA supporting NGOs engaged in HIV/AIDS awareness and child health, and as a guidingforce behind the Aruna Asaf Ali Memorial Trust. His selflessengagement made him a role model for socially active retirees.Pioneer of the Senior Citizens’ MovementShri P. H. Vaishnav is widely acknowledged as the pioneer of the senior citizens’ movement in Punjab and Chandigarh. He believed firmly that senior citizens should command respect through continued social contribution, not be viewed as dependents or burdens. Under his inspiration and guidance, several organizations took shape, including the Mohali Senior Citizens Association,inaugurated by Captain Kanwaljit Singh. He actively organized awareness programmes, races, meetings, and visits to old-age homes, while also advocating policy measures for senior citizens’ welfare. The Railway Senior Citizens Welfare Society paid rich tributes to him, describing him as the “torch bearer of the senior citizens’ movement in the region”, particularly at a time when the movement was gaining momentum. His concern for the poor, the destitute, and the marginalized remained undiminished throughout his life.

Legacy and Remembrance: Shri P. H. Vaishnav passed away on 4 May 2009, at the age of 77, due to cardiovascular complications at PGI, Chandigarh. He was accorded state honours at his cremation in Sector 25, Chandigarh. Eminent leaders, including Punjab Governor Shri S. F. Rodrigues, Chief Minister Shri Parkash Singh Badal, and Shri M. S. Gill, paid glowing tributes, recalling him as an outstanding administrator, compassionate philanthropist, and a true lover of Punjab. His passing left a significant void, particularly in the sphere of senior citizens’ welfare. A tribute volume compiling his life, thoughts, and writings—especially on governance, corruption, and national challenges—stands testimony to his enduring influence and relevance. Commemoration through Knowledge in his fond memory, the Mohali Senior Citizens Association (MSCA) has been organizing an annual technical seminar to commemorate the birth anniversary of Late Shri P. H. Vaishnav. These seminars have evolved into meaningful platforms for knowledge sharing and intellectual engagement, bringing together experts, academicians, professionals, and students from diverse technical disciplines. Each seminar addresses contemporary and socially relevant themes, fostering informed discussions on emerging technologies, best practices, and future challenges. The sustained success and growing participation in these seminars reflect MSCA’s deep commitment to honouring the legacy of a visionary crusader by promoting technical excellence, innovation,and lifelong learning—values that Shri P. H. Vaishnav embodied throughout his remarkable life.