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There are always some
events or some personalities who leave an indelible mark on one's mind in the
early days. When I was a student Prof. J C Biswas, my teacher of English left
memorable impression on my mind. He taught me English Literature more
particularly English Prose during my post-graduation years at Gorakhpur
University in 1965-67. He was a teacher in the real sense of the term. He was
generous, kind hearted, had a fine sense of humour and above all had human touch
too. Apart from being a wonderful personality who could mix up with students
freely and with genuine concern for everybody, he restrained my verbosity and
taught me how to express more clearly and lucidly. For him thoughts were only as
good as one could express with clarity and precision without being superfluous.
He also guided me to choose the career I wanted to choose. In essence he was a
friend, philosopher and a guide - all hallmarks of a good teacher.
I very distinctly remember
that he knew exactly what I wanted to do. Even though he would have preferred
that I also become a teacher somewhat like him, he knew that I had the desire to
become a civil servant. So he encouraged me to take up that chartered course
only; and to my utter surprise he asked me to join LLB course after I had
completed my post graduation in English. At that time, I accepted his advice,
but without understanding the real intent behind it. It is only now when I look
back and introspect I realize that how much I owe to him on this account.
Because I was able to acquire the clarity and precision required in thought as
well as expression, which are so essential for a successful administrator.
Professor Biswas treated all students alike, showed remarkable
compassion and empathy with everybody. There was never an occasion when any
student had any complaint or grudge against him. In fact most of the times
students could ask him about a lot of grey areas lurking in mind regarding other
courses, he was actually not teaching. And he would explain the concepts with
stunning clarity and simplicity. Even today I remember the amazing clarity with
which he explained the abstract principle of Objective Co-relative' by T S
Eliot, which becomes easily comprehendible when related to a specific context.
It was his uncanny sense of recognizing the inner reservoir of
student's which made him a likeable teacher. It is only this sense of insight of
naturally and spontaneously associating with people or those around, which has
helped me being true to my profession.
Indeed Prof. Biswas still remains an ideal teacher in my
memory, and to a very large extent he has been instrumental in moulding my
career.
