Sailesh K
2002-05, Brindavan

I was not only fortunate to have sat in his classes, but I also worked in the Hostel Stores along with him. He was not only a perfectionist but also a person with a deep human side to him. He was very good at understanding people. I fondly remember a few instances.

The stores used to get Nike shoes for the students. We asked him if we could put up a notice in the hostel Notice Board so that students would become aware of it. He told us not to do it. He said, “There are students who can afford to spend Rs. 1000 a day and there are students who cannot afford to spend Rs. 1000 a month. By putting up a notice for these shoes, it will hurt the students who cannot afford it as the shoes are a bit expensive.” This was an eye opener for us and also an example on how we need to think with a broad mind even when making small decisions.

Ruchir sir could read people really well. Sometimes he would come to us in the Stores and tell us, “You seem to be doing work because you need to do it, and it doesn’t look like you are enjoying what you do.” He would then give a few words of encouragement and leave.

As Stores-Boys, sometimes we would enter the Stores at any time, like when we were headed to the college, and pick up a pen or some other item that we needed, and note it down in the ledger to be paid later. Ruchir sir came to know of it and was furious. He said that as Stores-Boys we needed to have more discipline than the rest and only make a purchase when the Stores were open. He reminded us that the privilege of having access to the Stores should never be misused at any time, and that we should never behave in a way that gives opportunity for anyone to point a finger at us.
As part of the Stores team, he used to encourage us to have a 360 degree feedback including feedback on him, and he used to be open to any suggestions in this matter even though we were no match for his calibre and experience.

My pranams at Bhagawan’s Lotus feet for this opportunity to learn from Ruchir sir.