Dr. Giridhari Lal Kaul joined
Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat as Vice-Chancellor on March 25, 2000 and
remained in the office till April 5, 2004. Born on April 6, 1939, Dr. Kaul
graduated from Andhra University, Waltair in 1958 and obtained his Master’s
degree from Punjab University (1963) and Ph.D. degree from Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi (1967). A well known Horticulturist of repute Dr.
Kaul began his professional career as a Research Associate under USAID –
Improvement Programme, Delhi. He then served G.B. Pant University of Agriculture
& Technology, Pantnagar as Assistant Professor, Associate Professor
(Horticulture) and Associate Director, Horticultural Research Centre.
Intelligence, Perfection, dedication and commitment to his work were the great qualities
of Dr. Kaul, which pushed him from one step to the next in the ladder of his
service career. He left Pantnagar and took over the charge of Adviser,
Horticulture, NEC, Ministry of Home Affairs, Govt. of India, Shillong; ADG
(Horticulture) and ADG (Planning & Monitoring), ICAR, New Delhi;
Commissioner, Horticulture. Ministry of Agriculture, Govt. of India, New Delhi
and O.S.D., NATP, Indian Council of Agricultural Research, New Delhi before joining AAU. During his
rising service career, Dr. Kaul was honoured with the membership of many
academic/ Professional bodies. He was Patron of All India Kitchen Garden
Society, New Delhi; a life member of Horticulture Society of India,
Bougainvillea Society, New Delhi, Assam Science Society, Guwahati, Assam
Horticultural Society, Guwahati; Regional Secretary, South Asian Region,
International Society of Horticultural Science, The Hague; a member of Mushroom
Society of India, Solan (Himachal Pradesh); Executive Committee (All India Food
Preserver’s Association, New Delhi). Dr. Kaul authored four books, three
bulletins, nineteen reports and fifty-six research papers. He has travelled
extensively to countries like the USA, Germany, France, Indonesia, Thailand,
China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Australia, New Zealand, Sri Lanka,
Bhutan and several African countries on various assignments for international
cooperation.