In memory of our beloved Founder Secretary, Late Prof. Moni Banerjee, we organize the ‘Moni Banerjee Memorial Lecture’ each year on 15th March, his birthday, since 2011.

Biography of Prof. Moni Banerjee

Prof. Moni Banerjee was born on 15th March 1921 in erstwhile East Bengal, now Bangladesh. After graduating with distinction in science from Bangabasi College, Kolkata, in 1942, he joined the “Certificate in Tanning” course at the Bengal Tanning Institute (BTI). It was during this time that he met Dr. B. M. Das, a towering intellect who became a guiding force and inspired the young Banerjee to pursue his life’s calling in leather science and technology.

Achieving first class first in both departmental and university examinations in 1944 and 1945, Prof. Banerjee was awarded the prestigious Guruprasanna Ghosh Scholarship, which enabled him to pursue higher studies in Leather Chemistry at the University of Leeds. This was strongly supported and encouraged by Dr. B. C. Roy, then known as the “Prime Minister” of Bengal. While at Leeds, he studied under the renowned Dr. K. H. Gustavson, who later described him as “a remarkable Indian scientist.” After earning his degree in 1948, Prof. Banerjee went on to work in Zlín, Czechoslovakia, under a fellowship and travelled extensively across Europe.

Always eager to grow and contribute, he joined an international youth movement engaged in rebuilding war-ravaged Czechoslovakia, an experience he often referred to as a turning point in building his character.

Upon returning to India, Prof. Banerjee briefly ventured into business, producing modern leather finishes that were then unknown to Indian tanners. However, his true calling soon beckoned, and in 1951, at the persuasion of Dr. B. M. Das and Dr. B. C. Roy, he returned to his alma mater, BTI.

Through his untiring efforts, BTI launched the B.Sc. (Tech) Degree course in Leather Technology in 1955. With his appointment as Superintendent-cum-Principal, the institute was renamed the College of Leather Technology (CLT) in 1958. In recognition of his contribution, the Government of West Bengal appointed him as ex-officio Deputy Director of Industries, acknowledging his extensive industrial expertise. Even Mr. Thomas Bata of Bata India recognized Prof. Banerjee’s epoch-making contributions, particularly his efforts to generate employment for both young graduates and underprivileged artisans.

A firm believer in technology for social upliftment, Prof. Banerjee continued to contribute post-retirement as an Industrial Development Consultant for underdeveloped countries, working under the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.

He also dreamed of transforming the College of Leather Technology into a premier postgraduate institution, and he laid much of the groundwork to make that vision a reality.

Prof. Moni Banerjee was the driving force behind the formation of the Indian Leather Technologists’ Association (ILTA) and served as its Founder General Secretary, fostering unity, education, and professional excellence in the field.

Over the years, Prof. Banerjee mentored and shaped numerous careers—both in service and in business. Many remember him for his guidance, wisdom, and commitment to community development, particularly his structured initiatives in self-help cooperatives, which uplifted countless artisan communities from poverty.

He stood tall among his peers, respected for both his breadth of knowledge and the integrity with which he expressed his views.

Today, his values and legacy continue to guide us. Prof. Moni Banerjee was self-motivated, fair, honest, caring, and fearless. The most fitting tribute we can offer is to walk the path he paved.

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Renowned Personalities who delivered Sanjoy Sen Memorial Lecture

• 2011 Buddhadeb Chattopadhyay, Officer-in-Charge, GCELT, Kolkata
• 2012
• 2013 N. R. Banerjea, Former V.C., BESU, Former Chairman, Webel and present President of FOSET
• 2014 (Dr.) Sanjoy Chakraborty, GCELT, Kolkata
• 2015 Samir Dasgupta, Ph.D, FSLTC, Eminent Scientist of Leather Technology, New Zealand
• 2016 Sonath Mukherjee, Professor, Environmental Engg. Division, Civil Engg. Department, Jadavpur University
• 2017 Abhijit Dutta, an eminent Leather Finisher
• 2018 (Dr.) Sanjay Chakraborty, Officer – in – Charge, Govt. College of Engineering & Leather Technology, Kolkata
• 2019 V. Vijayabaskar, Vice President, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Ltd., Chennai
• 2020 Satya Narayan Moitra, Director, Stahl India Pvt. Ltd.
• 2021 (Dr.) Sanjoy Chakraborty, Officer – in – Charge, Govt. College of Engineering & Leather Technology, Kolkata
• 2022 (Dr.) H. Bhaumik Former Principal, Govt. College of Engineering & Leather Technology, Kolkata
• 2023 N. Viswanathan, GM – R&D, Pon Pure Chemical India Pvt. Ltd., Chennai
• 2024 Satya Narayan Maitra, Business Director, Leather Division INDIA, Cromogenia Units, Barcelona, Spain
• 2025 Shome Nath Ganguly, Consultant and Technical Advisor