K.V.S Dileep
BSc.Math, 2003-2006 Brindavan
MSc. Math, MTech CS,2006-2010 Prasanthi Nilayam

It was the Dasara celebrations in 2005 when I was sitting with the drama group waiting for our event to begin. Ruchir sir was the main speaker for that day. He opened his speech with the line – “Even the ocean thirsts… Even the Lord has needs”. Maybe, that was why the Lord has called His child back too soon. It is heartbreaking that he has left us this unexpectedly, while at the same time somewhere in our hearts we know that he has joined our Lord.

Though I was not a commerce student I had much to learn from him. During my first 2 years at Brindavan, Ruchir sir would always reject me at the preliminary round from the elocution competition. Once, I decided not to participate to avoid being rejected. When sir found out, he forced me to participate and enter the competition, teaching me an invaluable lesson that failing is fine but not trying is unforgivable. His tough love and unrestrained feedback helped me (and in fact all of us) improve.

On Trayee sessions, we found ourselves sitting next to each other almost towards the back of the hall. Once when Swami was picking people to sing songs, Ruchir sir asked me to sit up straight, so that he could hide behind me. On another occasion Swami was showing us a movie, and Swami claimed that He was seeing it for the first time. When I asked Ruchir sir about it, he said that Swami has seen this particular movie at least 20 times in the past. Yet He can show excitement as if it was the first time. He then said – “Shouldn’t we all approach life this way – always excited and never take it for granted?”

Ruchir sir, you have led the best life possible – excited to serve the Lord. We have a lot to learn from you and will cherish the moments we spent with you.