Vijaysingh B Padode, the founder of Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ), IFIM Group of Institutions and VijayBhoomi University (VBU) passed away in Mumbai on Tuesday, August 13, 2019 at the age of 84. Born on February 11, 1935 in Sindi (Maharashtra) Vijaysingh shifted to Mumbai in 1972 and eventually set up his empire with his three sons.
Vijaysingh earned double graduation, and a law degree, while simultaneously working at the Central Statistical Organisation(CSO). He then joined the Indian Revenue Service before he moved to Mumbai. " Whilst in service he discovered his passion for analysing balance sheets and he learnt to leverage this ability for investing in the stock markets. At the peak of his career at the age of 50 he was transfered to Kolkata but he wasn't ready to leave Mumbai. His passion for the markets drove him to quit the service voluntarily. In the markets the propensity of his interest was more to educate the world about the markets and shatter the myth that markets are pure speculation, " said Sanjay, his second-born. "He told me that the biggest contribution one can do is share their knowledge and expertise as this enables the world to benefit. It is easy to work for oneself but the true Karamyogi is one who works for the society," he added.
Vijaysingh, along with his eldest son Pratap, a chartered accountant, decided to start an investment consultancy — Dalal Street Investment Journal (DSIJ) in January, 1986. Sanjay, with his engineering background, joined the business and forayed into information technology and later his third son Rajesh, an engineer as well, led the group into stock broking services. And his sons are going to carry the baton that their father has left to them. "My father had laid the foundation for an university in Greater Mumbai Region. The date for inauguration of this University is set for August 28, 2019. Vijaybhoomi University is being developed by blending the best practices of the modern education system along with asian ethos and values. The university will focus on building solution providers, entrepreneurs, problems solvers and leaders. The curriculum will be based on liberal education principles for nurturing holistic, socially responsible and continuously employable professionals. It is unfortunate that my father will not be part of this inauguration, but this dream of his has become our mission and we will ensure that this University delivers on the expectation he had," Sanjay added.
Vijaysingh also founded the IFIM Business School in 1995 which went on to become India’s 6th AACSB-accredited Institution and was ranked 28th in India by Business Today in 2018. In the 25 years of its journey, the IFIM group also grew and established a Law School and a Degree College. But he was not just all work and no play. Sanjay added, "He was a fun loving man who was always willing to explore and discover new experiences. Personally I loved flying kites with him. He always loved to watch the kites soar, I always admired the peace and tranquility on his face."
He always had only one advice for everyone, said his son, 'Discover your passions as they build conviction on one’s purpose and persevere hard, take risks and be fearless to chase the purpose.' Sanjay considers his father a journalist by heart and profession. "He loved to research, analyse and fearlessly communicate the outcomes of his research. His book “Making and Unmaking the Prime Ministers of India” is indeed a master piece. It is one work that is a testimony of his research, analysis and his ability to write fearlessly," he added.
