TRIBUTE TO DR RAJ

TRIBUTE TO DR RAJ

Noted economist Dr. K.N Raj died at hospital on Wednesday 10th February 2010. The leaders from diverse walks of life have hailed the immense contribution made by noted economist and institution builder Dr K.N Raj.
Dr Raj as one who was instrumental in establishing the planning commission in 1950 and laying the economic foundation of the country,The Governor said” he was shocked and saddened by the passing away of the veteran economist.
Besides being the vice chancellor of Delhi University and a member of the prime Minister's economic advisory council, he had founded the center for development studies in Thiruvananthanpurm. With his death, Indian planning Department has lost. Dr Raj was always keen that the fruits of economic planning should reach the poor and said his death was an irreparable loss to the nation.
K.N Raj, widely respected development economist and teacher and one of the architects of the Indian Plan edifice passed away on Wednesday 10th February,2010. He was 85. Dr Raj who was the economic advisor of prime minister's from Jawahal Nehru to P.V Narasimha Rao and set the pace of India's economic growth story from the first five year plan- had been for some. He was admitted to a private hospital on Saturday with fever and breathing troubles and died following a cardiac arrest.
In keeping with his wishes,his eyes were donated. Born in Thrissur on may 13, 1924. Dr Raj became a student of Harold Laski at London School of Economics. One of the fellow students being the former president K.K Naryanan.
He joined the planning Commission at the age of 26 and quit to became a professor of Economics at Delhi University. Dr Raj went on to became vice Chancellor of Delhi University, a position he left after being disgusted with the rise of communal politics in the campus.
Dr Raj's contribution in various capacities would be remembered for long. He was one of the guiding lights of the Indian Planning process. His contribution as an economist and teacher would be remembered for ever. “ at the young age of 27, he was invited by the then prime minister Pandit Nehru to help draft India's first five year plan” Dr Raj was also a fine human being. He devoted his life to serving the country and the cause of social justice. Dr. K.N Raj was a brilliant economist, institution – builder, excellent teacher, resourceful guide and friendly colleague with profound personal integrity. He inspired generations of young economists.

Prof John Kurakar