Memorial Scholarship for Textiles Honors Late Leader, Nurturing New Generation to Traverse His Path
Prakash Chand Kochhar's Transformative Journey: A Lasting Legacy at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles
Prakash Chand Kochhar, a man of humble beginnings in Punjab, India, embarked on a remarkable journey that would leave a lasting impact on the world of textiles. Born in India, Kochhar's journey to America required sacrifice and the support of his local community, with funds for his ticket amounting to $334.
In 1946, Kochhar arrived in Raleigh, North Carolina, to attend the School of Textiles at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles. It was here that he met his future wife, Christine Hayes Kochhar, and quickly became inseparable, tying the knot in 1951.
Kochhar's fascination with textiles was evident from an early age, and his time at NC State allowed him to pursue his passion. He held various student employment roles, including laboratory technician, instructor, and manager of process research labs. In the 1950s, Kochhar created an international neighborhood for his fellow immigrant students, bridging Indian and American traditions within his multilingual, cross-cultural family.
After earning his degrees, Kochhar accepted a role as a sales service coordinator at Industrial Rayon in New York City. His career took him across several states, focusing on cotton spinning, weaving, and finishing.
Kochhar's enduring impact on NC State's Wilson College of Textiles is commemorated through the Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship, created in 1986 to support the next generation of textile leaders. Funded through Kochhar's estate and additional support from his employer, the Technical Service Group of Hercules, the scholarship fosters academic and professional advancement for subsequent generations at the unique institution dedicated exclusively to textile education and innovation.
Kochhar's daughter, Kanta Kochhar-Lindgren, states that her father wanted to build on his experience in the textile field, and his final wishes included providing for those invested in a meaningful future in textiles. The scholarship, which helps students pursue textile education, symbolizes Kochhar's transformative journey and ongoing influence on the field.
Over the years, Kochhar's family has helped over 50 relatives immigrate to the United States to pursue academic and career opportunities, continuing the legacy that Kochhar started over half a century ago. Today, the Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship stands as a testament to his enduring family legacy connected to his education in the U.S.
- Prakash Chand Kochhar, having developed a passion for textiles early on, utilized his time at NC State's Wilson College of Textiles to work in various roles, including laboratory technician, instructor, and manager of process research labs.
- Kochhar's academic pursuits at NC State were instrumental in his future career, with a focus on textile engineering, manufacturing, and research.
- The Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship, established in 1986, aims to support students who wish to pursue a career in textiles, similar to Kochhar's own journey of academic and professional growth.
- With a strong desire to contribute to the textile industry, Kochhar's final wishes included funding the Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship, which would provide aid for future generations of textile leaders.
- Kochhar's orientation towards education-and-self-development extended beyond his personal growth, as he helped over 50 family members immigrate to the United States to pursue their own academic and career opportunities.
- The Prakash Chand Kochhar Memorial Textile Scholarship serves as a lasting reminder of Kochhar's transformative journey, inspiring future generations to embrace personal growth, learning, and success in the realm of textiles, just as Kochhar did.
