[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E59-E60]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING THE LIFE OF VED NANDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DIANA DeGETTE

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2024

  Ms. DeGETTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a 
distinguished member of Denver's academic community and a cherished 
friend, Professor Ved Nanda. His recent passing is a profound loss, not 
only to the University of Denver and our local community, but to many 
across the U.S. and the world.
  Professor Nanda was more than just an esteemed colleague; he was a 
kind and passionate individual whose impact on our community extended 
far beyond the walls of the university. His commitment to education, 
international law, and the promotion of cultural understanding left a 
mark on all who knew him.
  Born in 1934 in Gujranwala, India, Ved Nanda built an exemplary 
career starting at Punjab University where he received an M.A. in 
Economics. He went on to receive a law degree from Delhi University, a 
law degree from Northwestern University, and completed subsequent 
postgraduate work at Yale University.
  After joining the University of Denver's (DU's) Sturm College of Law 
in 1972, Professor Nanda inspired generations of scholars, students, 
and activists, whether it was through his teachings or the 24 books he 
authored--spanning various fields of international law.
  For over five decades, Professor Nanda uplifted the students of DU 
and the Indian diaspora community, becoming a prominent figure and a 
bridge between our two nations. He also served in several illustrious 
positions, including Chairman of the Board of Hindu University of 
America and Vice President of the American Society of International 
Law.
  In 2006 Professor Nanda was honored with a $1 million founding gift 
from the University of Denver to launch the Ved Nanda Center for 
International and Comparative Law, promoting programs and scholarships 
in the field of international law. He was also honored with the 
prestigious Gandhi-King-lkeda Award for Community Peace Building in 
2004 and the Padma Bhushan in 2018. These accolades are a testament to 
his significant impact on the field and tireless efforts to advance 
knowledge and cultural exchange. His work was noticed and rightly 
honored for its impact.
  For more than 30 years, Professor Nanda shared his wisdom with the 
larger Colorado community through his regular columns in the Denver 
Post. His clear and reasoned explanations of international issues 
provided important perspectives to readers.
  As we remember and mourn the passing of Ved Nanda, we also celebrate 
the enduring legacy he leaves behind. I have no doubt his

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intellectual contributions, passion for education, and love for both 
India and the United States will continue to inspire us all.
  Sadly, Ved lost his beloved wife and partner Katharine last August. 
During this difficult time, my heart goes out to his friends and 
family--his daughter, Anjati, son-in-law, granddaughters, extended 
family, and all those who counted him as a friend, teacher, and mentor.
  He will be missed.

                          ____________________