In memory of our revered mentor, Late Prof. S. S. Dutta, we organize the Prof. S. S. Dutta Memorial Lecture every year on 2nd February, his birthday, since 2019, to honour his extraordinary contributions to leather science, education, and literature.

A Brief Biography of Prof. Sasanka Sekhar Dutta

Prof. Sasanka Sekhar Dutta was a distinguished scholar, dedicated educator, prolific writer, and an inspiring mentor in the field of Leather Technology. He served as Professor of Leather Technology at the College of Leather Technology, Calcutta, and remains a towering figure in the annals of Indian leather education.

Prof. Dutta was born on 2nd February 1937. He graduated in Science with distinction from the University of Calcutta in 1955. He went on to secure First Class First position in the B.Sc. (Tech.) in Leather Technology examination in 1958, earning a Gold Medal from the University—an early sign of his brilliance and commitment to the field.

He began his academic career at his alma mater in 1959, joining as a Lecturer and Demonstrator in Tanning. His quest for excellence took him to the Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI) in Chennai (then Madras), where he was deputed by the Government of West Bengal for advanced training in protein chemistry and physical testing of leather—fields that were foundational to modern leather science.

Following this, Prof. Dutta briefly stepped into the industrial sector. He worked with the Leiner-Knit Gelatine Co. Ltd., a foreign private company, where he was sent to the United Kingdom to acquire specialized training in gelatine manufacturing. During this tenure, he also visited numerous gelatine factories in West Germany and other parts of Europe, enriching his global industrial perspective. Upon returning to India, he was promoted to Production Manager of the company. However, in 1967, his passion for teaching and research drew him back to academia, and he re-joined the College of Leather Technology as an Assistant Professor.

Prof. Dutta’s academic and literary legacy is profound. He was the author of over 200 technical papers and 35 research publications, many of which received accolades from both national and international forums. His contributions were not limited to research—he had a unique gift for communicating complex technical concepts in an accessible manner, as evidenced by his seminal textbook, “An Introduction to the Principles of Leather Manufacture”. This pioneering work continues to be a foundational resource in most leather institutes across India.

Beyond the classroom and laboratory, Prof. Dutta was also a creative writer. A poet and storyteller at heart, he penned short stories, essays, satires, and poems in Bengali, displaying his literary flair and philosophical insight. His ability to bridge science and the arts made him a truly multidimensional personality.

Prof. Dutta also served the academic community in several other key roles:

• Paper setter and examiner for multiple Indian universities and the Institution of Chemists (India)
• Honorary Associate Editor of the Journal of Indian Leather Technologists’ Association (JILTA) for several years
• Member of the Syllabus Committee constituted by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the University of Bihar

His global reputation as an expert in leather technology earned him a UNIDO Fellowship, and he was deputed to the United Kingdom under the aegis of UNIDO, where he further strengthened international academic collaboration in leather science. As a natural ‘guru’, Prof. S. S. Dutta inspired generations of students with his wisdom, discipline, and unwavering passion for knowledge. He remained actively engaged with students, scholars, and industry professionals until his passing on 14th January 2018.

Prof. Dutta’s legacy lives on—not only in the textbooks and research he authored but, in the values, and dedication he instilled in his students. His memory continues to guide the leather fraternity, reminding us that true education blends deep knowledge with human values, curiosity, and compassion.

Renowned Personalities who delivered Prof. S. S. Dutta Memorial Lecture

• 2019 B. Chandrasekaran, Director, CSIR – CLRI
• 2020 S. Rajasekaran, Safety Auditor / Consultant (Management System)
• 2021 P. V. Sambasiva Rao, Executive Director, Alpharama Ltd., Kenya,
• 2022 K. J. Sreeram, Director, CSIR – CLRI & Head, Department of Leather Technology, AC Tech., Anna University
• 2023 M. Abdul Wahab, Managing Director, KH Exports India Private Limited & Mr. Anto Alan PJ, Head, Business Banking, IDFC First Bank
• 2025 N. Mohan, Director and CEO (Footwear Business), Kothari, Industrial Corporation