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There was a great teacher of Classical Physics by name M. S. Sikand at IIT KGP. He was 14 years older to me, and I learned a lot of Physics from him one-to-one, which helped me greatly in my own teaching.
But now at 67, I forgot all Physics, willy-nilly.
But he taught me something else in one brief sentence, which helped me more than anything else in life and which I never forgot till today. He said, apropos of nothing:
"Sastryjee, everyone from the sweeper to the Director has some power in them. Recognize it, respect it and use it for your benefit."
I returned to KGP on a short visit the other day 5 years after my retirement; and I deeply felt the wonderful fruits of his invaluable precept.
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But now at 67, I forgot all Physics, willy-nilly.
But he taught me something else in one brief sentence, which helped me more than anything else in life and which I never forgot till today. He said, apropos of nothing:
"Sastryjee, everyone from the sweeper to the Director has some power in them. Recognize it, respect it and use it for your benefit."
I returned to KGP on a short visit the other day 5 years after my retirement; and I deeply felt the wonderful fruits of his invaluable precept.
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8 comments:
I wish you make more trips back to IIT KGP so that you get more remembrances to share with us
Rtn.PHF DR LVK MOORTHY
Everyone of us have their own priorities, and seek their own destiny. Some feel contended while others leave with a bitter taste. I guess both he and me belong to the first category. Indeed one of the unspoken (and outspoken) queries to me and my wife in our recent visit there was: "Why are you jokers so happy?"
I saw Sikandsaheb for a good 25 years. He never did what he considered below his dignity. He was offered an instant promotion the day he joins the then HoD in joint guidance for a Ph.D. student. He refused point blank. Same with me.
But my luck differed from his.
He may not have conquered but he never compromised.
Thank You and Best Regards
Minu
I just discovered your blog from a IIT KGP friends Facebook update and I am very happy to have located this. I have read your post regarding Prof. Sikand. I never had the chance of interacting with him or be his student. But I know this that you were one of my most inspiring teachers and guide and if prof. Sikand has inspired you then all my respects to him.
Today I am a theoretical physicist because several of my teachers inspired me with their commitment, courage and example and above all with a vision of unparalleled beauty that was so addictive and you
Sir was one of the most prominent of all these legendary teachers.
It is said that the debt of Parents and Teachers can never be repaid. But I think otherwise, there is a way to repay this debt and that is to carry on their commitment conviction and impart their vision of beauty to your own students. I am happy Sir that I am able to do this.
With my sincerest regards and respect
Your's Gautam
Gautam Sengupta
Dept. of Physics
IIT Kanpur
208016
Anurag Gupta
IIT Kharagpur Campusite
Graduate from BTech CS in 1988
Dr.L.V.K.Moorthy
Past President
IMA, TN State