In Memory of CIArb Past President Mr Vinayak Pradhan C.Arb FCIArb

CIArb were extremely sad to hear of the passing away of CIArb Past President Mr Vinayak Pradhan C.Arb FCIArb on 8 March 2020. Mr Pradhan served as CIArb President in 2013.

Fiercely proud of Malaysia and the Rule of Law, Vinayak was a leader for CIArb in that country being the first Chairman of the Branch. As a Chartered Arbitrator and to the international arbitration community at large, Vinayak was exceptional. In 2013 Vinayak was elected as the first Asian male to take this position. He actively supported the development of the next generation of arbitrators and generously shared his wealth of knowledge with the Young Members.

Vinayak’s illustrious career was further recognised by CIArb Malaysia Branch in 2016 when he received the very first “Arbitrator of the Year” award. In his citation, the Chief Justice of Singapore, Mr Sundaresh Menon, then CIArb Patron, said: “In the course of my career at the Bar, I acted as counsel in many arbitrations. I therefore have had the opportunity to appear before a fair number of arbitrators from many parts of the world. With the benefit of this perspective, I have no hesitation in saying that I personally rate Vinayak among the very finest of them.”

Working with Vinayak was a privilege. His knowledge of CIArb, its workings and folklore, were there, generously to be shared with all but particularly the then new Director General. He held firm opinions but was always prepared to listen. Anthony Abrahams MCIArb, CIArb Director General, said: "On a personal note he was charming with a self-depreciating sense of humour. His description of himself as the young Malaysian student in Scotland with only a cardigan was entertaining and probably explains his love of whisky."

He was generous in entertaining and very much a family man.

He was a great friend to many and he will be missed.