Former Vice Chancellor of JNTU-Hyderabad Pasala Dayaratnam passed away here on November 11 (Tuesday). He was 93.
Professor of Civil Engineering, he was the VC of JNTU-H in 1995-1998. Earlier, he was Head of Civil Engineering and Dean, R&D, IIT Kanpur. Among others, some of his textbooks Earthworks, Brick and reinforced structures, and Prestressed concrete structures remain popular among students, designers and builders.
For his contribution he has been honored with Sir Arthur Cotton Gold Medal, Nickolaidas Gold Medal from Institution of Engineers (India), Distinguished Engineering Alumnus Award from University of Colorado, Award for Excellence in Concrete Technology 1997 from Indian Concrete Institute.
Rajendra P. Bhattarai, president of Clean Water Strategies in Austin, Texas, wrote on his social media page: “He was one of the best professors I had at IIT Kanpur. He was also the head of the civil engineering department when I was there. He was a giant in reinforced and prestressed concrete structures. He was also very kind, generous and soft-spoken.” I owe it to him.” Another engineer from Chennai remembered Mr. Dayaratnam as a great author and that his books were widely used in teaching and practice.
Mr. Dayaratnam’s funeral was held at the Sahebnagar graveyard in Vanasthalipuram on Wednesday.
Published – 14 Nov 2025 20:35 IST
