An Immortal Moment with an IIT Kharagpur Electrical Professor

An Immortal Moment with an IIT Kharagpur Electrical Professor

Introduction

A memorable incident that took place during my second year at IIT Kharagpur stands out very vividly. The experience with our electrical department professor not only helped me but also made me appreciate the simplicity and dedication of our institute's professors. Let me share this story with you.

The Incident

One day, we were having our classes in the Nalanda complex, located far from the regular academic block. We usually ride our bicycles around the lush green campus. On that particular day, I was quite unused to cycling, which often leads to moments of nervousness and confusion.

Our electrical professor, who conducts classes at Nalanda, always drags his lecture time a bit, which was the case again that day. After the class ended, we were rushing to the regular academic complex for an assignment. While I was trying to mount my bicycle and pedal off quickly, my cycle suddenly stopped. I was in a panic, picking my bicycle and attempting to pedal it with all my might.

Immensely frustrated, I realized the chain had fallen off. I quickly tried to set it up, but the task proved more daunting than I imagined. The rear tire's chain was not staying in place. In that moment, my professor, who was in the process of retrieving his own Atlas bicycle, observed my struggle. With his own bicycle station by his side, he walked over, stood by my bicycle, and instructed me with some gestures that I couldn't fully understand at the time.

The Solution

Instead of immediately fixing the chain himself, he sat near my bicycle, laid his hands on the bicycle’s chain, aligning one side while I held the other. His hands were greased from chalk, and the chain was also quite greasy. Despite the inconvenience, he patiently guided me through the process. He then reassured me that after a few trials, I would manage to fix it myself.

Reflection and Appreciation

This was indeed a precious experience for me in the institute. It wasn't just about the problem being fixed; it was about the professor's patience, his willingness to help, and his unwavering dedication to others. His simplicity and grounded nature are often underappreciated.

At the time, I couldn't fathom how much he must be earning, but it was clear that his respect and commitment to his students were priceless. It taught me an important lesson about perseverance and the value of a helping hand.

Conclusion

For many, this might just be an ordinary day in college, but for me, it was much more. As I look back, I am grateful for this experience and the professor who made it memorable. If you ever find yourself in a similar situation, take a deep breath, stay calm, and remember that help is often just a gesture away.