Hans E Kardel was Danish by birth and an American by nationality. He started his extension career as County Agricultural Agent in 1929 in Eaton county, Michigan State U.S.A. and worked for 22 long years. During these years he won widespread admiration for his effective service and good natured ways. He also served as Secretary-Manager of the 4.H Club fair since its inception in 1931 to 1951. He was associated with activities of Country Red Cross Chapter, Rotary Club and the Salvation Army. For his outstanding contribution to improvement of agriculture, he won a citation from the “National Association of County Agricultural Agents in 1944.
Hans E Kardel came to India in 1952, under the International Co-operation Administration of the Point Four Programme of America. He was responsible for helping and guiding the extension functionaries in the State in the early years in the Pilot Extension Project sponsored by the Ford Foundation. His work in the Pilot Extension Project, Malavalli in Mandya district and Rural Community Project in Shimoga district are remembered even to this India. Professionally he was an unlimited fund of extension knowledge and experience; personally, he was an embodiment of sincerity, hard work, humility and friendship.
Hans E Kardel passed away on 21st June 1956 at Bethesda Maryland, USA. God did not permit him to return to India, the country he loved very much.
Mr. Nanjundappa was a dynamic officer in the Department of Agriculture in the erstwhile Mysore State. After obtaining his B.Sc degree from Mysore University in 1945, he joined the Agriculture College, Bangalore in 1946 and obtained B.Sc(Agri) degree in 1949. Later he completed M.S.Degree in Extension Education from Tennessee University, USA in 1963.
He started his career as Probationary Assistant Director of Agriculture in 1952. He played a prominent role in the Pilot Extension Project, Malavalli, and later in the Rural Community Project, Shiralakoppa. He was referred to as the ‘live wire’ of the Community Project. He worked in different capacities in the Department of Agriculture till 1965. He rendered the most remarkable service to the agricultural development in the State. It was a matchless contribution, where he made the impossible possible.
Mr. Nanjundappa served the University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore as the Administrative officer from its inception in 1965 for nearly two decades. He proved to be a good organizer of University programmes.
IAT was one of his dreams and pre-occupations. The dynamism, infectious enthusiasm and leadership he exhibited has now taken shape in the form of its Auditorium Complex. His contribution was indeed invaluable. He was not only a gentleman and outstanding professional but also a great person in many walks of life. His memories will long remain green among he fellow technologists.
In order to perpetuate the memory of these two admirable persons Dr.R.Dwarakinath, former Vice Chancellor of U.A.S., Bangalore instituted Hans E Kardel and B.J.Nanjundappa Endowment with the Institution of Agricultural Technologists, Bangalore. Under this endowment memorial lectures by eminent personalities are being organised.