Page 7 - Vaidy

Meenakshi
John Kurien; kurien.john@gmail.com
The last in the chain of the founders of CDS is no more physically with us!
Dr Vaidyanathan was my research mentor at CDS in the late 1970s. As I was coming into CDS from an activist background, he was first very eager to understand the reality of the fisheries sector and accompanied my to the villages I worked in before he started to guide me on the research. With my background in statistics and business management, he taught me how to mesh the two very productively to undertake research and write in a manner which focussed on policy influencing. His meticulous reading of drafts and that pencil scribble in the margins remain etched in my mind. So did his sharp memory for fact and figures. I remain ever grateful to him for his no-holds-barred encouragement and support.
The early batches in CDS will remember how he picked up discussions at lunchtime in the canteen with students and faculty that often ended in a loud disarming laugh or polite disagreement. Then the walk back up the hill chewing his cloves!
More recently, 2016 I think, I visited him in the evening at his home in Chennai. I still recall him in a chair with a grey shawl covering his arms and chest. He had just had dialysis that day -- which he used to do by himself at home -- but despite that, he looked hale and hearty and in great spirits. He recalled every bit of his association with me. This is how I always knew him. That undaunting spirit of his lives on!
Heartfelt condolences to Mrs Vaidyanathan who was always by his side. To Rama and Radhika and Sanjay too.
John
Beena PL <beena@cds.edu>
I am sorry to hear the sad demise of Prof. Vaidyanathan.
I still remember my interview at CDS way back in 2001 where Prof. Vaidyanathan chaired the interview board. That was a wonderful experience. Although it was tough and cordial. I never had a chance to meet and interact with him academically but Prof. Vaidyanathan lives in my memories through his writings.
My deepest condolences to Rama Baru, whom I knew during my JNU days, her sister and mother .
Beena PL, CDS
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