January 12, 1937 to December 3, 1989
Born on January 12, 1937, Late Professor Sirish Chandra Patnaik was awarded the PhD Degree in the area of Orissa State Finances by Utkal University. He worked at Kallikote College, Berhampur and Ravenshaw College, Cuttack before moving on to the Department of Analytical and Applied Economics, Vani Vihar, Utkal University and Headed the Department during 1985-89.
As an able, passionate and committed economics teacher, he taught Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Economic Growth and Development, Public Finance, Monetary Economics, etc. for more than twenty-five years before breathing his last on December 3, 1989.
He was also a reputed researcher and architect of Regional Economics. He pioneered innovative thinking in Regional and Rural Economics after a brief stint, on scholarship, at Glasgow University during 1977-78. His earlier works and books were in the area of Monetary Economics and State Finances. His book on ‘Industrial Development of Orrisa’ was an outcome of an IDBI-sponsored project, which drew special attention from the Government of Orissa when J B Patnaik was the Chief Minister. His straightforward analysis in the book invited controversies with threats to his life unless certain passages were deleted. The author and academician in him remain undeterred, as was his wont, all through his academic life.
Prof. Patnaik wrote seven books on Economics. His last book on ‘Agricultural Productivity and Prospects’, published by ICSSR in 1988, remains a pioneering contribution to the State of Odisha. Before this publication, Professor Patnaik was instrumental in publishing several papers and booklets on the economics of paddy, turmeric, etc., cultivated in Odisha. His booklet on ‘Indian Economy in Perspective’ also gained much readership. He was a Member of the Steering Committee of the Planning Commission, Govt of India. He was also the Vice President of the Indian Economic Association from 1987-88. He conducted his last National Conference in Vani Vihar in 1988-89. Seven scholars were awarded PhD Degrees in economics under his supervision.
He is survived by his wife, Professor Dr Premalata Patnaik (Prof of Obstetrics and Gynecology) and his son Dr Debasis Patnaik who teaches as a Professor in the Department of Economics and Finance, BITS Pilani, K. K. Birla Goa Campus.