Sardar Amarjit Singh Sodhi

We are deeply sorry and saddened to announce the passing away last week of Sdr. Amarjit Singh Sodhi—the founding Chairman of SHDF whose vision and dedication transformed and continues to transform thousands of lives.

Sdr. Sodhi Sahib Ji was born on December 9, 1932, in Amritsar District, where his lifelong commitment to seva and education first took root. He joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1956 and went on to hold several senior positions, including District Commissioner and Chairman of the Fertilizer Corporation, ultimately retiring as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture. In 1981, Sdr. Sodhi Ji moved to the United States to join the World Bank as a Senior Economist. There, he led missions across Africa, Asia, and Eastern Europe, helping guide rural development, agricultural education, and research projects that touched countless lives.

After retiring from the World Bank in 1996, his dedication to education and development continued. In 1999, he became a founding member and Chairman of this organization which he led for over a decade. His vision, commitment and hard work to the core mandate of SHDF—providing college education to deserving but able young women and men in Punjab and neighboring areas—transformed and continues to transform the lives of tens of thousands. The transformation of lives is not only for students, but also their families, and often entire communities, and over generations.

Sdr. Sodhi Ji passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. He is lovingly remembered by his wife, Sdrn. Bhupinder Sodhi, and his son, Sukhpreet Sodhi, as well as his late daughter, Daman Sodhi, who held him deeply in her heart, and their spouses. He is equally lovingly remembered by five grandchildren and one great-grandson, and all of us at SHDF, along with many others who were inspired by his wisdom, kindness, and unwavering sense of purpose.