Prof. Vishwanath Pandit Memorial Lecture 2025

Prof. S Mahendra Dev Delivers Inaugural Prof. Vishwanath Pandit Memorial Lecture on India’s Economic Future.

The Department of Humanities & Social Sciences, SSSIHL, organized the inaugural Prof. Vishwanath Pandit Memorial Lecture in honour of the late Prof. Vishwanath Pandit (1939–2024), an eminent economist and the 8^th Vice-Chancellor of SSSIHL. The event commemorated Prof. Pandit’s lasting contributions to Indian economics and the Institute, including the founding of its Department of Economics in 2001.

The Keynote

The keynote lecture was delivered by Prof. S Mahendra Dev, Chairman, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, on the theme “Future of India: Growth, Inclusiveness and Sustainability.” His comprehensive address examined India’s post-independence economic journey, development goals for 2047, and critical priorities such as poverty reduction, employment generation, agricultural reform, and climate resilience. The lecture was followed by a vibrant Q&A session with students.

The event began with an inaugural session, a welcome address by Prof. P L Rani, and reflections by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. B Raghavendra Prasad. The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Raghavender Raju, expressing gratitude to Prof. Dev, the Pandit family, and all participants.

The memorial lecture is envisioned to be an annual academic feature at SSSIHL, celebrating the legacy of Prof. Pandit and promoting dialogue on national economic progress and inclusive development.