Vatsala Nagarajan, a faculty stalwart of IIM Bangalore, passed away earlier this evening. Prof Vatsala joined IIM-B in February 1974 in the Finance area. She served as Dean from April 1991 till she retired from the Institute in September 1992. An outstanding teacher, friend, guide, and mentor to students, staff and faculty, Prof Vatsala was always approachable, supportive and positive, said an Institute statement.
As one of IIM Bangalore’s Distinguished Alumni, Vaidyanathan, Founder of The Ganga Trust, put it: “Prof Vatsala Nagarajan was easily the most approachable among the faculty, and the one with the most holistic view and way of dealing with students and alumni.”
Her husband, KS Nagarajan, passed away on Sunday, May 12. It was like they were destined to leave together, the statement said.
On July 27, 2018, Guru Purnima day, IIM Bangalore dedicated a classroom on the campus in the name of Prof Vatsala. This effort was led by the PGP Class of 1992. This was the first time in the history of IIM-B that the school had a classroom named after a faculty member. On that day, the 86-year-old professor, accompanied by her husband, was present at the dedication.
Prof G Raghuram, Director, IIM-B, said: “There were two occasions when I met Prof Vatsala over the last year. Her sense of humour and positive approach, in spite of her physical suffering, were refreshing and inspiring. I would like to express my heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire IIM-B community and wish that her sons, Arun and Srikanth, and the many, many close to her are able to cope with this loss.”