Dr. Inder Raj Trehan was born in Gujarat on November 20, 1935. He got his PhD in Organic Chemistry from Punjab University and in 1962 joined Punjab University Chandigarh as faculty member. In 1965 Dr. Trehan moved to USA for a few years for post doctorate fellowship at Stevens Tech Institute, Hoboken, New Jersey. During his long and fulfilling career at Punjab University he supervised more than 50 PhD students and retired as the Chairman and Head of the Chemistry Department in 1995.
Dr. Trehan has many scientific accomplishments to his name; key among them are his work on ‘Synthesis of Perfumes and Essential Oils’ and ‘Synthesis of Antibiotics of Solid Support’. He has over 100 publications in National and International Journals. He also worked as a Visiting Professor in Stanford Research Institute (SRI), Menlo Park, California, USA and Malti Research Institute, Baroda, Gujarat. He won many awards and distinctions for his pioneering work in the field of organic chemistry.
Dr. Inder Raj Trehan was a very humble, pious, honest, wise, compassionate and spiritual being. He fulfilled all his roles in life as a son, husband, father and grandfather and was a true and sincere friend to many. He left for his heavenly abode on August 12, 2013 (at the age of 77) in Amarillo, Texas, USA, where both his sons are leading medical practitioners. He was an Advisor to Ambala College of Engineering & Applied Research (ACE) and his inputs were very valuable to help in establishing the Institute. His passing away resulted in a great loss to society, ACE and the family. We always pray for peace for his soul.