Vishnu Radhakrishnan
1996-99, Brindavan

I owe a tonne of gratitude to Sri Ruchir Desai Sir. I was diagnosed with dyslexia and had severe learning disabilities. I was a very poor student, but Ruchir Desai Sir never gave up on me. He took time off from his busy schedule and spent time with me going over the same study materials after hours. That is how much he was invested in his students. He always believed I could do better and allowed me to volunteer in the Brindavan stores.
I remember a funny incident that happened during my first few days in the hostel. I was assigned to room C8 and Ruchir sir had his room on the same floor. One day while I was waiting for a bath, I mistook him for a student and told him firmly, “Brother, I was here before you. I am going to use the bathroom first.” My fellow student, Sai Prakash quickly pulled me aside and told me that he is a teacher and that I should be more respectful. I went and apologised to him, but he told me I was correct, and that I was there before him and I should rightfully use the facilities before him.
He was a great teacher who not only taught us in the university but also by how he lived his life. It’s sad that his life has come to an early end. The future generations will miss his genius influence and guidance in their life, but for those of us who were fortunate to have learned under him, we will always cherish him in our memories.