PATIALA: The scientific and academic fraternity of Punjab lost one of its most versatile figures on Friday with the passing of Dr Vidwan Singh Soni in Patiala at 83. A former Fellow of Punjabi University with more than 30 years of teaching experience, Dr Soni distinguished himself as an administrator, researcher, and science communicator. Beyond his duties as college principal and physics lecturer, his lifelong passion for earth sciences led to major contributions in uncovering the prehistoric heritage of the north-western sub-Himalayas.
Dr Soni’s field investigations produced an extraordinary collection of prehistoric artefacts and animal fossils, ranging from ancient hippopotamuses and large tortoises to primitive stone tools. Working alongside his son, Dr Anujot Singh Soni, he published academic papers on the Soanian culture and prehistoric tools, providing crucial insights into early human history. Their research findings led Punjabi University to seek their expertise in establishing a dedicated fossil gallery to educate students and researchers on regional prehistoric life.
Colleagues and scholars declared that Dr Soni’s work uniquely integrated classrooms, fieldwork, and popular literature. An award-winning popular science writer, he consistently advocated for natural science education in Punjabi and addressed practical challenges in translating technical terminology at national forums. Educationists affirmed that Dr Soni’s legacy as both a relativity scholar and a dedicated explorer of ancient earth history will continue to inspire generations of science enthusiasts.
