As a Chair Professor under the Faculty of Media & Communication, Symbiosis International University, Dileep Padgaonkar’s contribution to Symbiosis was immense. After he joined Symbiosis International University, he taught students, and it was such a treat for the students, especially the students of media & communication, to have a person like Dr. Dileep. Apart from that, his interaction with the faculty was remarkable. His knowledge did not rest with journalism, media and communication but was across the university. He was one of the favourite Chair Professors. He would teach at the School of International Business and the School of International Studies and would be wholly involved in the International Relations Conference. His love and knowledge of culinary art were tremendous. He was not only fond of cooking and good food, as he was a foodie, but his understanding of the science of culinary arts was tremendous. In fact, he gave plenty of books on culinary arts to our library. He would even go and teach at the School of Culinary Arts.
I still remember my personal discussions with him on recipes for food from different regions and cultures, like a dish with a quirky name, ‘Khat khata,’ which was so typically made in Saraswat Brahmin families (both Dilip sir and I belong to this clan), that whenever I made it, I would send it to him!
To me, Dr. Dileep Padgaonkar was a mentor, friend, philosopher and guide. It was very unfortunate that he passed away so soon. We can never overcome this immense loss, so we organize ‘the Dileep Padgaonkar Lecture’ every year on the 25th of November, which is his death anniversary. Ace journalists are invited every year to give this lecture.
This year, the esteemed journalist Ms. Neerja Chowdhury was our speaker. A respected Indian journalist, columnist, and political commentator, Ms. Chowdhury served as the political editor of The Indian Express for ten years and is currently a contributing editor for the newspaper. She spoke on Political Decision Making at the Top – Growing Challenges, shedding light on various aspects of governance. What truly resonated with the audience however, were the personal experiences she shared. One of the critical points she emphasized was the increasing political awakening among the citizens of India, particularly among its women.
Many such eminent journalists have spoken at the earlier ‘Dilip Padgaonkar Memorial’ lectures too like Karan Thapar, Shekhar Gupta, Sainath and others.
Through this memorial lecture we keep Dilip Sir’s memory alive!