Illuminating the Path for Kerala's Aspiring Economists

In the annals of Indian economics, few names shine as brightly as that of Kakkadan Nandanath Rajan, affectionately known as Prof. Raj. Born on 13 May 1924 in Thrissur District and passing away on 10 February 2010, Raj's legacy extends far beyond the textbooks and economic theories; it is a beacon of inspiration for the young economists of Kerala and beyond.

A product of Madras Christian College and the London School of Economics, Raj was not just a scholar but a visionary who played a pivotal role in the economic planning of post-independence India. His contributions to drafting sections of India's first Five Year Plan at the tender age of 26 laid the groundwork for the nation's planned development journey. As an advisor to prime ministers from Jawaharlal Nehru to P.V. Narasimha Rao, Raj's influence spanned decades, marking him as a stalwart in the country's economic landscape.

However, it is not just his professional achievements that make K. N. Raj a guiding light for the aspirants in the field of economics. His approach to economics, deeply rooted in the welfare of the ordinary people, resonates with the ethos of Kerala's own development model. Raj's establishment of the Centre for Development Studies (CDS) in Thiruvananthapuram is a testament to his commitment to applied economics and social science research that focuses on improving the quality of life. The "Kerala model of development," characterized by low per capita income alongside high physical quality of life indicators, owes much to Raj's philosophical underpinnings and research.

Raj's belief that economics should serve the poor and his practice of welfare economics, even before it was recognized as such, echo the teachings of revered social reformer Sree Narayana Guru. This alignment of economic thought with social welfare principles is what makes K. N. Raj an enduring inspiration to young economists. His work exemplifies the potential of economics as a tool for social change, emphasizing education, healthcare, and small-scale industries as pathways to development.

Awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2000, Raj's accolades are a mere reflection of his immense contribution to the field of economics and society at large. His legacy endures in the work of the Centre for Development Studies, in the policies influenced by his keen intellect, and in the hearts of the young economists of Kerala who see in him a guiding light.

As we remember K. N. Raj today, we honor his memory and his vision for an India where economic growth and social welfare go hand in hand. For the K.N. Raj Economics Club members and beyond, he remains a source of inspiration, a mentor in the pursuit of knowledge, and a reminder of the power of economics to transform lives.