Leaving behind a legacy that has shaped the lives of countless individuals, Professor BC Verma — a renowned educationist and father of Punjab’s Chief Secretary Anurag Verma — passed away on Tuesday morning at PGI Chandigarh after a brief illness. He was 89 years old.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann expressed profound grief and sorrow at the demise of Prof Verma. Mann, in a heartfelt condolence message, praised Prof Verma as a distinguished academician who was deeply committed to fundamental human values. He described him as an exemplary personality, possessing both intellect and a compassionate heart. Prof Verma’s influence, according to the Chief Minister, paved the way for his entire family to excel in various domains and serve the nation with unwavering dedication.
Mann extended his heartfelt sympathies to the bereaved family and offered prayers for the departed soul, hoping for eternal peace.
Born on April 2, 1934, in Chalela village of Patiala district, he walked a remarkable path. Despite humble beginnings, his passion for learning led him to travel 15 kilometers to Patiala city, initially on foot and later by bicycle. His pursuit of knowledge in chemistry culminated in him becoming a professor at Government Mohindra College, Patiala. Throughout his teaching career, Prof Verma was admired by students for his soft-spoken and erudite demeanor.
Notably, Prof Verma’s legacy continues to influence those he taught, including esteemed cardiologist Dr Gurpreet Singh Wander. In addition to teaching, Prof Verma also took on administrative roles, serving as the Principal of Government College, Patti; and Government Sports College, Jalandhar; eventually retiring as the Deputy Director of DPI Colleges.
Prof Verma’s wife was also an educator, and his two sons — Anurag Verma and Ashish Verma, have continued the family's tradition of excellence. Anurag Verma is currentlty Chief Secretary of Punjab, while Ashish Verma has pursued a career in advocacy.
During Prof Verma’s last rites, prominent personalities, including Punjab Cabinet Ministers, paid their respects to the departed soul. Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer, Aman Arora, Lal Chand Kataruchak, Bram Shankar Jimpa, and Balkar Singh joined in offering tributes on behalf of the Punjab Government and the Chief Minister.
The funeral pyre of Prof Verma was lit by his two sons during the final rites at the cremation ground in Chandigarh’s Sector 25. The gathering included Cabinet Ministers, MLAs, officials from the Chief Minister's Office, judges from the Punjab and Haryana High Court, civil and police officials, representatives from the Army, UT Administration officials, retired officers, advocates, members of the press, leaders from various political parties, and social organizations, as well as secretariat officials and employees.