Rai Saheb Ch. Pratap Singh (1905–1985) was a great philanthropist who devoted his life to the service of humanity. Born into one of the wealthiest families of erstwhile Punjab, he understood his social responsibilities towards the economically and socially weaker sections of society at an early age. His legacy continues to live on through the educational institutions he established, which have grown into an imposing institution with five branches and 8,000 students.

An ardent follower of Arya Samaj, Rai Saheb believed deeply in social upliftment and human welfare. He recognized education as the most powerful tool for bringing about meaningful social change and made the promotion of education one of the central missions of his life. His vision was to create opportunities for people, particularly those from disadvantaged sections, to build a better future.

Rai Saheb relentlessly worked to alleviate the suffering of the downtrodden and served the community in several capacities. He was a Member of the Municipal Committee of Shujabad for ten years and served as its President for another six years. He was subsequently elected a Member of the Multan District Board and represented India at several international Arya Samaj forums.

After Partition, when his family settled in Karnal, he turned his vision into lasting institutions. He donated a substantial portion of land to establish Pratap Public Library in 1964 and Pratap Public School in 1975, thereby catering to the educational needs of the people of Karnal. The seed he sowed decades ago has since blossomed into a thriving educational institution, carrying forward his enduring commitment to service, education and social transformation.

Dr. R.S. Bhatia (1924–2011) was a brilliant scholar, eminent educationist and great philanthropist whose life was dedicated to the pursuit and dissemination of knowledge. A scion of the Shujabad aristocracy of erstwhile undivided India, he left behind a lasting legacy as an institution-builder, social reformer and champion of education. His name remains etched in the history of Karnal for the transformative role he played in shaping its educational landscape.

Dr. Bhatia believed that education was not merely a means of acquiring knowledge, but a powerful instrument for serving and transforming society. His academic journey—from St. Anthony’s Convent School and Aitchison College, Lahore, to Indiana University, Bloomington, and Columbia University, New York—shaped his deep commitment to academic excellence. His association with young minds strengthened his conviction that education must address the wider intellectual and social needs of society.

After teaching Economics at B.R. College, Agra, BITS Pilani and Kurukshetra University, Dr. Bhatia made the momentous decision to relinquish his position as a professor at Kurukshetra University, sacrificing a brilliant academic career to take up the reins of the fledgling school. With dedication and vision, he nurtured it into his life’s passion and transformed it into a flourishing institution.

Beyond education, he was an ardent social activist, reformer and environmentalist. He patronized numerous social institutions and remained at the forefront of relief and service, reaching out to people in times of peril. Through his lifelong commitment to education, social welfare and environmental responsibility, he left an indelible mark on the community and helped shape a legacy worthy of being remembered in the history of Karnal.