Professor Vijay Padaki served at the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore (IIMB) from 1974 to 1982, a formative period in the institute’s history. Appointed initially as an Associate Professor in the Habitat and Environmental Studies Sector, he played a pioneering role in curriculum design, teaching, and academic administration. His contributions spanned the Post Graduate Programme (PGP), Faculty Development and Doctoral (FPM) programmes, and Executive Education, where he introduced innovative and experiential methodologies—often derived from his work in theatre and behavioural sciences. Among his notable courses were Organizational Behaviour, Market Research, Consumer Behaviour, Assessment of Human Potential, and Research Methodology.

Prof. Padaki was deeply involved in shaping IIMB’s Admissions process, collaborating with other IIMs to design standardized testing systems and introducing psychometric rigor to admissions. His leadership extended to administrative roles, including a stint as Administrative Officer (Programmes). A passionate advocate of multidisciplinary learning, he initiated field-based rural development projects near Bangalore, linking management education with social development.

Beyond academia, his lifelong engagement with theatre enriched his teaching philosophy and reflected his belief in management as a behavioural and cultural practice. His reflections in later years emphasized the importance of institutional research, academic excellence, and holistic education. Prof. Padaki’s tenure remains a testament to IIMB’s early ethos of experimentation, intellectual freedom, and public-sector orientation.