In a moment of academic pride for Andhra Pradesh and the entire nation, distinguished economist and educator Prof. Kosaraju Leela Krishna, widely known as K. L. Krishna, has been honoured with the Padma Shri 2025 for his exceptional contributions in the field of Literature and Education.
Born on August 16, 1935, in Unguturu, Andhra Pradesh, Prof. Krishna pursued his early education in Mathematics and Statistics and later obtained a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago as a Fulbright Scholar. He was deeply influenced by great minds like Prof. C. R. Rao, which shaped his future as a pioneer in econometrics and industrial economics.
Prof. Krishna served at the Delhi School of Economics (DSE) for several decades, rising to become one of India’s foremost scholars in applied economic research.
His roles included:
- Director, DSE
- President, Indian Econometric Society
- Chairman, CESS, Hyderabad
- Honorary Professor, MIDS, Chennai
He also led the India KLEMS Productivity Project (2013–2022), a vital economic research initiative funded by the Reserve Bank of India, which measured productivity trends across sectors.
Known for his clarity of thought and rigorous pedagogy, Prof. Krishna’s lectures were deeply respected by students. Even after retirement in 2000, he continued to teach and mentor until 2010, becoming a guiding light to generations of economists and policymakers.
Prof. Krishna received the Padma Shri from President Droupadi Murmu at the Civil Investiture Ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi. The award is a recognition of his over 60 years of transformative contributions to research, teaching, and institution-building in India.
“Prof. K. L. Krishna’s life is a rare blend of scholarship, integrity, and humility. His legacy will inspire future generations,” said one of his former students.
- Academic Excellence: Helped build India’s research framework in productivity and development.
- Institution Builder: Strengthened the country’s premier institutions through leadership and vision.
- Mentorship Legacy: Shaped the careers of numerous economists, researchers, and professors.
Prof. K. L. Krishna’s Padma Shri not only honours an individual but also reaffirms the national value placed on research, education, and intellectual service. His lifelong pursuit of knowledge stands as a beacon for the nation’s academic community.
