Prof Shankar H Pathak passed away, due to cardiac arrest on December 19, 2017 in Bangalore. He is survived by his wife, Prof. Zakia Pathak. ------------- P.S- Mrs. Zakia Pathak passed away on January 26, 2018.
Sorry to hear the sad news. He was a great teacher. I was fortunate to be his student in 1979. May his soul rest in peace and May God give strength to the family to face this loss. Anju Gandhi (Jain)
Prof. Pathak was my teacher and M.Phil guide. There was so much to learn from him.I can never forget how effectively he oriented us about empathy through his rendition of "Vaishnav Jan". His shy demeanor, coupled with an extraordinary aura which originated from his vast knowledge and "feel" of social work made him exemplary in every way. I have truly felt blessed to have been his student. Teachers like him come only once in a long long time.In losing dear Sir today...we have lost one of our greatest stalwarts and a much loved and admired human being. May we continue to draw inspiration from him, for that shall be our biggest tribute to our teacher. May his memory live on..forever! Rest in peace dear Sir!!! Heartfelt condolences to dear Zakia ma'am.
Prof. Neera Agnimitra, Head Department of Social Work University of Delhi
Since 2-3 days, I have been thinking of calling Prof Pathak and say hello to him. Now I can never hear his voice again. Call people immediately when you think of them.
I came to know about Prof Pathak through his writings which I read as a student and young teacher. Later I met him in a seminar on Poverty organised in my Department of Social Work, Andhra University. He was then a firebrand. I did not have the courage neither to approach him nor to talk with him. It was after some years that I had opportunities to speak with him. From then onwards it was an affectionate relationship between us. When ever we met we used to discuss about social policy and family, the two subjects he was so passionate about. He was the one who wrote on social policy with authority and from Indian perspective. He wrote extensively on social work profession and education. And he was forthright in his opinions. He was in fact known for his straight forward talk. I know the debate he initiated in EPW on the UGC Second review committee report on SW education and the manner in which he expressed his observations. He was a great teacher, conversationalist, and a human being with principles. I felt sad when Dr Indira Sood shared the news with me. We lost a passionate social work educator - one who felt for the profession and wrote about it with ruthless honesty only to make it better.
Prof K V Ramana, Prof Vijayalshmi, Dominic D’Souza and Nafisa D’Souza join with me in conveying our heart felt condolences to his wife Ms. Zakia Pathak and his family members. May his soul rest in peace.
Since 2-3 days, I have been thinking of calling Prof Pathak and say hello to him. Now I can never hear his voice again. Call people immediately when you think of them.
I came to know about Prof Pathak through his writings which I read as a student and young teacher. Later I met him in a seminar on Poverty organised in my Department of Social Work, Andhra University. He was then a firebrand. I did not have the courage neither to approach him nor to talk with him. It was after some years that I had opportunities to speak with him. From then onwards it was an affectionate relationship between us. When ever we met we used to discuss about social policy and family, the two subjects he was so passionate about. He was the one who wrote on social policy with authority and from Indian perspective. He wrote extensively on social work profession and education. And he was forthright in his opinions. He was in fact known for his straight forward talk. I know the debate he initiated in EPW on the UGC Second review committee report on SW education and the manner in which he expressed his observations. He was a great teacher, conversationalist, and a human being with principles. I felt sad when Dr Indira Sood shared the news with me. We lost a passionate social work educator - one who felt for the profession and wrote about it with ruthless honesty only to make it better.
Prof K V Ramana, Prof Vijayalshmi, Dominic D’Souza and Nafisa D’Souza join with me in conveying our heart felt condolences to his wife Ms. Zakia Pathak and his family members. May his soul rest in peace.
Dear Ms. Sood, I was indeed grieved to hear of the passing away of Prof. Pathak. He was, I learn a good teacher and a prolific writer. His various writings are a legacy for the social work profession. We met several times in seminars and conferences in India and abroad. On one of my visits to my late brother's home in Bangalore I had him and Zakia over for lunch. That was a while ago and the last time that we met. Please convey my deep sympathies to Zakia and his family. May his soul rest in peace. In deepest sympathy, Armaity S Desai Former Director, TISS Former Chairperson, UGC
Prof Pathak was my fieldwork supervisor during my 2nd year of MSW, During ICs, we would spend hours discussing cases and different approaches that can be applied. After college, he gave me a certificate, wherein the last sentence read- “I am confident, she will make a mark, where ever she goes.” This really boosted my confidence and to date, I hold that memory close to my heart.
He was a teacher, philosopher and guide to many across batches. Teaching was his passion, he would spend hours reading the latest. Every day one would see him in the library. He had the great ability to read people. Though he did not voice it always but was very sharp in the understanding of human psychology and dynamics.
Sir had an excellent memory. In 1986, I was placed in Jahangir Puri for my fieldwork. In my one of the visits to him in 2015, he mentioned about it and told my friends, - “When I was director of field work, she (Indra) had approached me as to change her placement, distance from home was expressed as the reason. He said, he knew, it was the fear of working under Prof Ranade. And he said, he denied the request. I remembered this incident, only after he talked about it.
Over the years, he shared many incidences from his life. He remembered details about a lot (most) of his students and past colleagues. Wrote an article called “Slice of Life”, which he shared with selected few, with whom he was close. I got a copy too, with his permission, I started a blog for him, where this article and few others were published.
He believed in doing all the work himself. Many of us would remember him, walking out with steel dol, to bring milk from mother diary. Even in his old age, in spite of being in the wheelchair, he took care of all the basics himself. He donated a major portion of his savings, while he was alive, to 2 NGOs. Made arrangements for his wife’s good care.
Prof Pathak was a true role model and an inspiration for many of us. May his teachings, philosophy continue to guide us all.
My beloved teacher....a great friend, phylosopher and guide. I was very fortunate to be his student at DSSW. He was so much accessible to all his students and queries and concerns were addressed with so much of love. Much more to share,but enough for the moment. I pray almighty to rest the soul in peace. J. Srinivasa Rao, 1984-86 batch, DSSW
My beloved teacher....a great friend, phylosopher and guide. I was very fortunate to be his student at DSSW. He was so much accessible to all his students and queries and concerns were addressed with so much of love. Much more to share,but enough for the moment. I pray almighty to rest the soul in peace. J. Srinivasa Rao, 1984-86 batch, DSSW
Sorry to hear the sad news. He was a great teacher. I was fortunate to be his student in 1979. May his soul rest in peace and May God give strength to the family to face this loss.
ReplyDeleteAnju Gandhi (Jain)
Prof. Pathak was my teacher and M.Phil guide. There was so much to learn from him.I can never forget how effectively he oriented us about empathy through his rendition of "Vaishnav Jan". His shy demeanor, coupled with an extraordinary aura which originated from his vast knowledge and "feel" of social work made him exemplary in every way. I have truly felt blessed to have been his student. Teachers like him come only once in a long long time.In losing dear Sir today...we have lost one of our greatest stalwarts and a much loved and admired human being. May we continue to draw inspiration from him, for that shall be our biggest tribute to our teacher. May his memory live on..forever! Rest in peace dear Sir!!! Heartfelt condolences to dear Zakia ma'am.
ReplyDeleteProf. Neera Agnimitra,
Head
Department of Social Work
University of Delhi
Since 2-3 days, I have been thinking of calling Prof Pathak and say hello to him. Now I can never hear his voice again. Call people immediately when you think of them.
ReplyDeleteI came to know about Prof Pathak through his writings which I read as a student and young teacher. Later I met him in a seminar on Poverty organised in my Department of Social Work, Andhra University. He was then a firebrand. I did not have the courage neither to approach him nor to talk with him. It was after some years that I had opportunities to speak with him. From then onwards it was an affectionate relationship between us. When ever we met we used to discuss about social policy and family, the two subjects he was so passionate about. He was the one who wrote on social policy with authority and from Indian perspective. He wrote extensively on social work profession and education. And he was forthright in his opinions. He was in fact known for his straight forward talk. I know the debate he initiated in EPW on the UGC Second review committee report on SW education and the manner in which he expressed his observations. He was a great teacher, conversationalist, and a human being with principles. I felt sad when Dr Indira Sood shared the news with me. We lost a passionate social work educator - one who felt for the profession and wrote about it with ruthless honesty only to make it better.
Prof K V Ramana, Prof Vijayalshmi, Dominic D’Souza and Nafisa D’Souza join with me in conveying our heart felt condolences to his wife Ms. Zakia Pathak and his family members. May his soul rest in peace.
B. Devi Prasad
Visakhapatnam
Since 2-3 days, I have been thinking of calling Prof Pathak and say hello to him. Now I can never hear his voice again. Call people immediately when you think of them.
ReplyDeleteI came to know about Prof Pathak through his writings which I read as a student and young teacher. Later I met him in a seminar on Poverty organised in my Department of Social Work, Andhra University. He was then a firebrand. I did not have the courage neither to approach him nor to talk with him. It was after some years that I had opportunities to speak with him. From then onwards it was an affectionate relationship between us. When ever we met we used to discuss about social policy and family, the two subjects he was so passionate about. He was the one who wrote on social policy with authority and from Indian perspective. He wrote extensively on social work profession and education. And he was forthright in his opinions. He was in fact known for his straight forward talk. I know the debate he initiated in EPW on the UGC Second review committee report on SW education and the manner in which he expressed his observations. He was a great teacher, conversationalist, and a human being with principles. I felt sad when Dr Indira Sood shared the news with me. We lost a passionate social work educator - one who felt for the profession and wrote about it with ruthless honesty only to make it better.
Prof K V Ramana, Prof Vijayalshmi, Dominic D’Souza and Nafisa D’Souza join with me in conveying our heart felt condolences to his wife Ms. Zakia Pathak and his family members. May his soul rest in peace.
B. Devi Prasad
Visakhapatnam
Dear Ms. Sood,
ReplyDeleteI was indeed grieved to hear of the passing away of Prof. Pathak. He was, I learn a good teacher and a prolific writer. His various writings are a legacy for the social work profession. We met several times in seminars and conferences in India and abroad. On one of my visits to my late brother's home in Bangalore I had him and Zakia over for lunch. That was a while ago and the last time that we met. Please convey my deep sympathies to Zakia and his family. May his soul rest in peace.
In deepest sympathy,
Armaity S Desai
Former Director, TISS
Former Chairperson, UGC
Prof Pathak was my fieldwork supervisor during my 2nd year of MSW, During ICs, we would spend hours discussing cases and different approaches that can be applied. After college, he gave me a certificate, wherein the last sentence read- “I am confident, she will make a mark, where ever she goes.” This really boosted my confidence and to date, I hold that memory close to my heart.
ReplyDeleteHe was a teacher, philosopher and guide to many across batches. Teaching was his passion, he would spend hours reading the latest. Every day one would see him in the library. He had the great ability to read people. Though he did not voice it always but was very sharp in the understanding of human psychology and dynamics.
Sir had an excellent memory. In 1986, I was placed in Jahangir Puri for my fieldwork. In my one of the visits to him in 2015, he mentioned about it and told my friends, - “When I was director of field work, she (Indra) had approached me as to change her placement, distance from home was expressed as the reason. He said, he knew, it was the fear of working under Prof Ranade. And he said, he denied the request. I remembered this incident, only after he talked about it.
Over the years, he shared many incidences from his life. He remembered details about a lot (most) of his students and past colleagues. Wrote an article called “Slice of Life”, which he shared with selected few, with whom he was close. I got a copy too, with his permission, I started a blog for him, where this article and few others were published.
He believed in doing all the work himself. Many of us would remember him, walking out with steel dol, to bring milk from mother diary. Even in his old age, in spite of being in the wheelchair, he took care of all the basics himself. He donated a major portion of his savings, while he was alive, to 2 NGOs. Made arrangements for his wife’s good care.
Prof Pathak was a true role model and an inspiration for many of us. May his teachings, philosophy continue to guide us all.
Indra Sood
Ex-Student,DSSW,1986-1988
My beloved teacher....a great friend, phylosopher and guide. I was very fortunate to be his student at DSSW. He was so much accessible to all his students and queries and concerns were addressed with so much of love. Much more to share,but enough for the moment. I pray almighty to rest the soul in peace.
ReplyDeleteJ. Srinivasa Rao, 1984-86 batch, DSSW
My beloved teacher....a great friend, phylosopher and guide. I was very fortunate to be his student at DSSW. He was so much accessible to all his students and queries and concerns were addressed with so much of love. Much more to share,but enough for the moment. I pray almighty to rest the soul in peace.
ReplyDeleteJ. Srinivasa Rao, 1984-86 batch, DSSW