An economist, a visionary, an academician, and a teacher who continued to be both Professor and Head of the Department of Economics during his tenure as Principal of H.R. College, H.C. Malkani was a student of the D.G. National College at Hyderabad (Sind) and was a Fellow of the College. Later, he joined the School of Economics at Bombay. He secured a high Second Class in his MA, with History and Economics, standing Second in the University. He was a Professor of Economics, first at Ramjas College, Delhi, then at Shikarpur (Sind). He became the first Principal of the HSNC Board’s College of Commerce & Economics when started in 1945 in Sind.

Immediately after they migrated to India, post-Partition, he became a Professor of Economics at Baroda College, and then a Reader in Economics at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, and acted as Head of the Department of Economics from 1954-59. He was particularly gifted in guiding research students for their Ph.D. and was one of the recognized teachers for Ph.D. at the University of Bombay.

He conducted and published ‘A Socio-Economic Survey of Baroda City’ (1954-55), sponsored by the Research Programmes Committee of the Planning Commission. He was a distinguished speaker, addressed several seminars, and wrote many books throughout his illustrious academic career.

In 1960, he became the founder Principal of the College of Commerce & Economics (subsequently rechristened the H.R. College of Commerce & Economics) and nurtured it with passion, vision, and tireless hard work. The students loved him, the staff looked up to him, and in academic circles his reputation was impeccable. Very quickly, the College picked up in reputation and despite being a new institution, the classrooms were full and the number of students seeking admission was astounding.

An editorial in the college souvenir of 1963 notes: “At college socials, we see him at his best - witty, with a fund of anecdotes - and he makes everybody feel at home.

The problems of (running) a big college naturally worry him - a quiet academic man. However, as he has the loyal support of his colleagues, and as he has identified himself with the college, he is giving it his best. The future of the college could not be in better hands.”