Professor Darshan Singh Padda was recently honored with a Life Time Achievement Award by the Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, India.

Dr. Padda was on the Punjab Agricultural University faculty in 1960s when he played a prominent role in bringing a green revolution to India that resulted in food sufficiency across India. The Lifetime Achievement Award honors an individual whose career in academics has greatly contributed to the enrichment of community. This award truly recognizes an outstanding alumnus of Punjab Agricultural University who has made an exceptional contribution and superior achievement in the field of their chosen profession. 

Prof. Padda graduated with a Ph.D. in Genetics from Cornell University.  After graduating from Cornell, Prof. Padda joined University of Virgin Islands as a tenured Professor in Genetics.  Prof. Padda has a distinguished record of career accomplishments, complemented by an outstanding contributions to the genetics education. As a Rotarian Dr. Padda served as the President of the Rotary Club of St Croix, Virgin Islands. In 1992, he was appointed by the Governor of the U.S Virgin Islands, and confirmed by the Legislature, to serve as a member of the Governing Board of the Government Hospital and Medical Center.

In 1997, Dr. Padda retired as Vice-President and Professor of Genetics at the University of the Virgin Islands, and moved to Washington D.C.  The university honored with an appointment as Vice-President Emeritus. Retirement wasn’t an option for Dr. Padda.  After few months in retirement, Dr. Padda joined World Bank as an International Consultant on Genetics, where he served till 2000. 

Prior to his retirement, Dr. Padda was recognized by the United States Congress by honoring him with a distinguished award for Program Management and Improvement in the field of Genetics.  A Congressional Record is in place honoring Dr. Padda for his academic and research contributions in Genetics.  Indian government also honored Dr. Padda by bestowing Rafi Ahmed Kidwai award for Research Achievements.

For the past few years, Henderson, NV is home to Dr. and Mrs. Padda. Their son, Paul Padda is a well-known attorney in Las Vegas.