Homage to Dr. K S Umesh
Dr. KS Umesh, Associate Professor, Department of Physics, Brindavan Campus, SSSIHL, merged at the Lotus Feet of Bhagawan on 13th November 2014.
Dr. KS Umesh (Umesh sir as we call him), one of the chosen instruments of Bhagawan, was under His umbrella for close to 40 years. He joined the pre-university programme at the Sri Sathya Sai College, Brindavan in 1975 and since then continued to be within Swami’s academic institutions. He then went on to do his B.Sc. (Physics), M.Sc. (Physics) from the Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning. In fact, Umesh sir had originally joined the M.Sc. program at Bangalore University as the Sri Sathya Sai College did not have a Masters program then.
However, he was selected for the maths program there and not for physics which was what he wanted. When he mentioned this to Swami, Swami responded, “You should like what you get” and instructed him to continue in the program. Subsequently, when the Master’s program started at Swami’s university, he was absorbed into the first batch of the M.Sc. (Physics) program. Under Swami’s instructions, Umesh sir joined for his Ph.D. at the institute and was part of the first batch of the doctoral program along with Dr. Siva Sankara Sai (Head, Dept. of Physics, Prasanthi Nilayam). Bhagawan then handpicked Umesh Sir to serve as a faculty member at the Physics Department in His university in 1989. From then, till date, for 25 long years, he has served the university with all fervour and zeal.
Inspirational academic
Known among students and faculty members for his meticulousness and his ever smiling countenance, Umesh sir had been one of the pillars of the Physics department at Brindavan. It is said that – A good teacher can inspire hope, ignite the imagination, and instil a love of learning. Extremely passionate about the subject, Sir instilled the love of Physics into his students and galvanized them to delve into the depths of science in general and Physics in particular. His rigorous and methodical approach in the classroom as well as his approachable nature helped shape the sound understanding of many an abstruse concept in students.
The students of Physics in Brindavan would remember the detailed notes that he prepared, and his perfection in handling laboratory equipment – particularly the spectrometer. Through the continuous efforts of the department, and in good measure by the leadership of Umesh sir, the Physics department of the Whitefield campus has been contributing to the progress of science and technology through participation in various initiatives including one that is being funded by the Government of Karnataka.
Vidyullekha reached out to some of the faculty members in the Brindavan campus, and sought to capture facets of Umesh Sir’s personality. Many wonderful aspects and memories of sir came out through these interactions, and a few are captured here.
A Reticent Mentor
A senior faculty member observed that Umesh Sir’s scientific aptitude extended beyond the classroom and he had a very systematic approach towards his activities. He was a wonderful example of how one could be soft spoken yet be highly impactful through one’s actions. Although reticent by nature, when people specifically sought his advice, his comments would be very precise and insightful.
A junior faculty member spoke about how Sir was very sound academically, but more importantly held himself to practicing Bhagawan’s teachings and was a mentor that new faculty members could always turn to. He observed that Umesh Sir was a role model for new teachers joining the institution and someone whom they could look to for guidance and advice. He highlighted a very noble aspect of Sir’s personality wherein he wouldn’t criticize or chastise any junior faculty member for their shortcomings in public, but would point out these in private.
Sharing another experience, this faculty member narrated was that he learnt the importance of systematic planning from Umesh Sir. It was during a particular Grama Seva that he and Umesh Sir were teachers in charge for organizing distribution activities for a particular group of villages. Umesh Sir took the lead and came up with a very organized and structured plan which the junior teacher could then easily execute upon, and over the duration of the Grama Seva the relatively inexperienced teacher could learn a lot and overcome his nervousness of leading and conducting such an exercise.
Recollecting some episodes he shared with Umesh Sir, an elderly faculty member noted that Sir was always brotherly in his conduct and gentle in approach. He recounted how Sir was a stickler for cleanliness and would maintain his room spick and span.
Bhajan group management
Another aspect of Umesh Sir’s personality was that he was closely involved with the management of the Brindavan Bhajan group. Though a seasoned harmonium player himself, Umesh Sir would selflessly provide maximum opportunities to students to perform in front of Bhagawan. Music boys would recollect Umesh Sir’s encouraging attitude toward singers, both accomplished and budding.
A senior faculty member narrated an incident when during an audition a student experienced a nervous breakdown and could not perform to his potential. Recognizing this, Umesh sir reassured him and gave him a second chance which turned out to be successful. The boy then went on to become a Mandir Bhajan singer who was well appreciated by one and all. Seasoned singers benefited by his gentle words of encouragement and supportive advice and sought to reach greater heights.
A fragrant flower at Bhagawan’s feet
Humble, down to earth, inspirational and gentlemanly are adjectives that best describe the persona of Umesh Sir. His myriad contributions would continue to remain in the hearts of his students and colleagues. Physics students would remember him forever as someone who shaped their views on the subject and verily their lives.
Swami says, “Be the flower that speaks softly through its fragrance”. Dr. Umesh truly personified this. As a flower offered at Swami’s lotus feet, Dr. Umesh left an indelible mark on the pages of His story.
The Brindavan campus of Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning conducted Narayan seva on the 30th of November as a mark of respect towards the departed soul.
