Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan Singh

Sir Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan Singh (18 April 1901 – 1993) was India's first ambassador to Nepal and later an ambassador to Japan (from 1958) and also the second Governor of Punjab in 1953 and then governor of Uttar Pradesh from 1980 to 1985.^[1] A distinguished educator, an able administrator and an inspiring leadership interpreter of Indian Culture, Shri C.P.N. Singh was honoured with Padma Vibhushan in 1977 for his meritorious services rendered to the country.^[1]

The Kurukshetra University was the dream of the then Punjab Governor, Sir C.P.N. Singh, a great Sanskrit scholar, who wanted to set up an institute to promote Indian culture and traditions.^[2] Pracheen Kala Kendra, an institution for arts and culture was established in Chandigarh in the year 1956 with the active support and kind patronage of the then Honourable Governor of Punjab Sir C.P.N. Singh.^[3] Sir Sinha was the Vice Chancellor of University of Patna from 1 January 1945 to 20 June 1949. The Patna University Institute of Psychological Research and Service, one of the oldest psychological service centres in Eastern India was founded in 1945 at the initiative of Sir C.P.N. Sinha and the institute is located at Krishna Kunj, the building housing the institute which was donated to Patna University by late Sir Ganesh Dutt Singh, an eminent educationist of the state.^[4]

Vice Chancellor Sir Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan Singh's (Sir CPN Singh) (1945–49) contribution to develop a post-graduate course in the university was acclaimed by all.^[5] He brought teachers of eminence from all over the country to man the newly opened departments.^[5]

He was a close friend of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.^[6]

Biography

Sir CPN was born in a Bhumihar Brahmin family in Parsgarh, Muzaffarpur, Bihar.^[1] Standing First Class-First from the Calcutta University in his M.A., he obtained the Mallick Gold Medal in 1925. After coming to Bihar, he was elected to the then Legislative Council in 1927. He was also elected Chairman of the District Board of Muzaffarpur, where he distinguished himself by exemplary organisation of succour for earthquake victims of the great Bihar Earthquake of 1934. This received special recognition at the hands of the different organisations of the country, including the Indian National Congress at that time. In 1945, he became the Vice-Chancellor of the United Patna University. After Independence, he was invited by the then Prime Minister, Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru, to become the country's Ambassador to Nepal. It was during his tenure the King of Nepal sought refuge at the Indian Embassy in 1950. After completing his tenure there, he was appointed the Governor of undivided Punjab in 1953. It was under his aegis that the city of Chandigarh and the Bhakra Dam dam were built. In 1958, he subsequently became the Ambassador to Japan. There he received the signal and unique honour of receiving a doctorate from the prestigious Ohtani University. Unable to continue in the post, due to ill-health, he was forced to come back to India. After that he became a Director of the Reserve Bank of India and the I.D.B.I. and the Chairman of several companies.

His son A.P.N Singh, Studied in Doon School and was chairman of PIADA.

His daughter-in-law is Nalini Singh, wife of SPN Singh and sister of Arun Shourie.

The family legacy is being carried on by his grandson Ashok Harshwardhan(son of A.P.N Singh)- who is actively working for the development of his ancestral village 'Sursand'. His grand daughter Ratna Singh is struggling to secure her recognition as grand daughter of Sir C. P. N Singh.

References

1. ^ ^{a b c} "Shri. Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan Singh". Raj Bhavan (Uttar Pradesh) web site. Raj Bhavan (Uttar Pradesh). http://upgovernor.gov.in/singhbio.htm. Retrieved 2008-08-19. 
2. ^ Yoginder Gupta (2007-01-12). "Critical thinkers must for growth: Datta". The Tribune. http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070112/haryana.htm. Retrieved 2008-11-08. 
3. ^ Pracheen Kala Kendra (2008-11-09). "Pracheen Kala Kendra, Organization dedicated to art and culture". Pracheen Kala Kendra. http://www.pracheenkalakendra.org/aboutus_founders.php. Retrieved 2008-11-09. 
4. ^ "PU institute falls prey to neglect". The Times of India. 2002-02-10. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/507280.cms. Retrieved 2008-11-09. 
5. ^ ^{a b} B K Mishra (2008-11-17). "Other Side Of The Coin". The Times of India. http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Cities/Patna/Other_Side_Of_The_Coin/articleshow/3720952.cms. Retrieved 2009-03-28. 
6. ^ A.G. NOORANI (Volume 21 - Issue 20, Sept. 25 - Oct. 08, 2004). "Nehru's legacy to India". Frontline. http://www.hindu.com/fline/fl2120/stories/20041008000307600.htm. Retrieved 2009-03-28. 

Persondata
Name	Singh, Chandeshwar Prasad Narayan
Alternative names
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Date of birth	18 April 1901
Place of birth
Date of death	1993
Place of death