By Satish Alekar

... Dr. Panat had very close relations with Lalit Kala Kendra students of performing arts, the visiting faculty and all the Gurus since 1996. When I took over as the first Professor and HOD of Lalit Kala Kendra in 1996, I requested him to develop a course in Physics related to Preforming Arts. He did a splendid job and became very popular teacher for Music, Dance and Theatre students teaching them physics! His understanding of Hindustani classical music was of highest order. He has a great taste for literature and theatre. He and his wife would never miss Lalit Kala Kendra performances.

His absence will be very sadly felt at Lalit Kala Kendra. I will personally miss him very much especially when I am performing my plays. He never had missed attending any of my plays. He was a person who will come to the LKK for a cup of tea next day after attending any exciting concert of classical music or may be a play and discuss the concert/performance in great detail.

Professor Satish Alekar, Marathi playwright par excellence, recently retired as
the director of the Lalit Kala Kendra (Centre for Performing Arts), Savitribai Phule Pune University.

January 25, 2009