An outstanding Scholar and Economist who cared for his students

Tribute to Prof. C. Rangarajan

By Lakshmi Shyam-Sunder (née IYER), PGP 1978

One of the Professors at IIIMA who left a deep impression on me during 1976-78 was Professor C. Rangarajan.

At that time, he had an outstanding record both as a scholar and as a practitioner of economics, and his sustained contributions to policy have been well recognized and appreciated. However, his skills and achievements were complemented by his humility, modesty, and above all, care for others, including his students. I will always remember how he combined rigour with practical relevance and the open-minded, professional, yet gentle manner in which he conducted classes. He was always approachable and did not intimidate despite his formidable achievements.

He also remembered his students. I recall that a few years after I left IIM-A (where I was a somewhat dormant participant), I became more serious about applying to a doctoral program. I wrote to Prof. Rangarajan asking for a reference. To my pleasant surprise, he remembered me and responded immediately. That such an eminent person could remember his students speaks volumes for the kind of person he was. This incident taught me to connect with my students and staff during my own career.

It is a matter of great pride for all of us at IIMA to see his many roles and contributions over his long, distinguished career and life- one he has conducted with integrity and human decency. He continues to be a true role model for us all.