Y. Sai Tharun
2016-19 Brindavan
I would wonder what’s the rationale behind Ruchir sir not joining IIM? I took every opportunity to interact with him. During our examinations teachers would serve dinner for students (another sweet gesture). One such dinner session, I was standing next to Ruchir sir and serving. Starting the conversation, I asked him
“Sir, did you get admission to IIM?”
The reply was yes with a smile!
“Why did you leave that opportunity?” I asked.
He replied, “See, it’s very simple! You like brinjal. You have it. You don’t like brinjal, you don’t have it. It’s that simple. “
It was just amazing. I just smiled to myself. And yes! His philosophy was that simple! His love for Swami made him stay in His institution.
Indraneel
1996-2003, Prasanthi Nilayam
I am Indraneel and studied in Prasanthi Nilayam from 1996 to 2003. During my college days from 1998 to even during the GJC I heard innumerable stories about Ruchir Sir’s teaching abilities, his mannerisms and his stores management skills. Every classmate of mine had a story to tell. I was amazed at how one person could leave such a positive and loving impression on so many students across so many batches! I wish I had a chance to learn directly from sir. But just knowing and hearing about him makes me grateful and motivates me to emulate his ways. Thank you Swami for making our life’s richer through Ruchir Sir.
Narasimha Raghavan
1995-1998, B.Com, Brindavan
There are a few memories. But sharing one here. Vividly remember Swami addressing sir as ‘Emayaa…Ruchir DeSaaaaI’ putting lot of emphasis on Sai.
It is unto that Sai’s lotus feet that sir has been taken in once again.
Dr Anil Shenoy
1985-1988, Brindavan
To me Ruchir Sir was a teacher, who spoke few words and let his actions speak for themselves. He was kind, considerate and very inspirational.
I was speaking to my mother today and she said that just two months ago she had offered him some food and he had gladly accepted, humbly and unhesitatingly. Ruchir sir is known for his soft spoken words and consideration. We will miss him! Sai Ram
V.Venkateshwaran
1986-1989, Brindavan
I was in the batch of First B.Com 1986, at Brindavan, which was also the first year of Sir Ruchir’s tenure as teaching faculty. I owe my entire career to him for the base he gave me in Accounts. Given that I was from a science background, his teaching and mentoring is what has helped me.
The greatest satisfaction I have is to be able to give Guru Dakshina when I launched my website www.mycleardocument.com last year on Swami’s Birthday and on 26.12.2020 I managed to convey my gratitude to Sir Ruchir and feel blessed that he acknowledged it.
I have lost a part of me when I needed him most in this phase of my entrepreneurial journey.
My salute to his mother for giving Ruchir Sir to the world!!!
Shiva Prasad
1994-96 SSSHSS, 96-99 B.com, 99-2001 MFM. Prasanthi Nilayam
Between 1996-1999, I studied B.Com in the Brindavan Campus of SSSIHL and had the good fortune of having Ruchir sir as my teacher on various subjects during the six semester under graduate program.
In my fourth semester I finished my accounts exam a bit early and was returning to the hostel. As I reached I saw Ruchir sir standing at the entrance. Seeing me return early from exam, he looked worried and asked how I had tackled the examination.
Before I could respond, as if in remorse he said” If you don’t do well, it is reflection of my teaching and not yours” and then continued with a smile,” Balance sheet is a sheet that never balances”.
In that moment saw in him an elder brother worried about my progress in academics and at the same time a friend trying to make me smile.
Words cannot do justice to the excellence he stood for and the great influence he had in shaping my personality. I owe him whatever I am and will always be grateful to him at all times.
Abhay Kini
2009-2011 B.com Hons, Brindavan
One of my fondest memories of Ruchir Sir is during the Annual sports meet practices. We were part of the commentary team for Brindavan campus. We would stand near the Shanti Vedika in Hill View Stadium at Prasanthi Nilayam, and practice our lines as the students practiced their events. He would laugh with us, correct our grammar as we finished delivering and sometimes even take the mike himself and make a few witty comments. He was always there to support and guide us when needed.
Among all his lessons, I feel it was punctuality that was really driven home. If any student entered after he entered the class then it would mean that student is ‘outstanding’ for that lecture. At times when he knew we were coming tired after a sports meet/drama practice he would give some leeway. Those lessons help me today to value time.
Thank you sir.
Venkata Subramanian S
1992-95, Brindavan
I had the good fortune of studying in Brindavan for 3 years (92-95). While he never taught me, and I don’t recall having many direct interactions with Ruchir sir, I always heard from other students about his vast and deep knowledge. There was awe in attending his classes. The incident about a book thrown out of the window is now legendary. Over the last few days, I have read many testimonials in whatsapp and linkedin and I am humbled by how many students he had shaped both from academic & spiritual perspectives.
Rest in peace sir, for you have now joined Swami.
Sandeep B.V.N
2010-13, B.Com (Hons), Brindavan
It was December 12, 2012 (the supposed day the world was to end in the Mayan Calendar). In our B.Com final year class, a boy mentioned it out loud hoping we could have a light chatty one hour instead of the subject from Ruchir sir. It took sir only a moment to quip, “Don’t worry, Hrishi. I’ll complete as much of the portions as possible,” and we burst out laughing. I was reminded of this as Sundaresan sir mentioned during the remembrance call that as Ruchir sir was being hospitalized, without anyone asking, he dropped Sundaresan sir a text confirming he had completed his syllabus. That was his approach in life. Best summed up in his words “If anything is worth doing, it is worth doing it well.” And Ruchir sir never stopped at doing it well, he converted it into a veritable golden touch. Brindavan commerce department is a testimony to his alchemy.
Darshan Saieesh
2013-18, Brindavan
I have had very few interactions with Prof. Ruchir Desai. Yet those few have left me deeply impressed with his care for students. For instance, serving the food in the hostel dining area; we would all wait for mid or end-semester exams so we could receive our meal from the food counter where Ruchir sir and Jain sir would be serving. It felt good to see Ruchir Desai Sir walking in the corridors, of the hostel, the college and in the stores. He was an active member of hostel room cleanliness programs and as an evaluator he was strict. There was so much to learn from him. Commerce students though share a different bonding altogether. His passing is an irrecoverable loss. I Pray to Swami that he merges Prof. Ruchir Desai into Himself.
Venkatesh K
1999-2002 B.Com Hons, Brindavan
I joined Brindavan campus in the year 1999 for my Under Graduation. The winters were pretty cold and I needed a sweater. I went to the on campus store and asked Ruchir sir if I could get a sweater for Rs.50… I did not know how much it would cost. In his inimitable style he replied,“For Rs.50 I am not sure if I can get you a sweater, probably can get you a shawl.”
A few days later he got me a sweater for Rs.200 and told me treat it as an investment, not an expense. Later I learned that he had called several suppliers to get me the sweater at that cost. He went to great length to ensure it is of good quality, much more than the usual value for money, particularly when it was for his students, Sai Students! I will always remember him as a man of great wisdom, learning and discipline. I still have the sweater and now… whenever I see it, it will remind me of Ruchir Sir.
Saikiran
1996-99 B Com Brindavan, 1999-01 MFM Prashanthi Nilayam
We were part of the 1996 batch of B Com students and Ruchir Sir was 13 years our senior. So he was more of an elder brother than a teacher. While most students have come across his signature style of calling a spade a spade, only a few blessed people have seen his brilliant brain at work in close quarters. The brainiest of us are still in awe even after 25 years when we recall his off the cuff balance sheets… that surprisingly always balance! A great reader of boys’ minds, I recollect him consoling the boys in his class after Swami left Brindavan, apparently upset with the boys. Empathy and understanding were his hallmarks for people who knew him. What I personally carry from him and try to emulate in my work is to give accolades where due but also ensure that I call a spade a spade and do what is right. While Swami has been the guiding light for all his boys, divine souls like Ruchir Sir have ensured that we are able to dive back into the light when required.
Ruchir Sir while distributing room cleanliness prizes used to mention the immortal words “Whisker ahead “. While Swami loves all of us, Ruchir Sir was always a whisker ahead. The love lives forever with his merging in Swamis Lotus feet
Sanjeev Padmanabhan
When I was a student in Brindavan campus he selected me to be a commentator for the annual sports and cultural meet. He selected a bunch of us, trained and encouraged us. He guided us to write down the text of our speech and practice the same.
Once, upset with our lack of practice, he reprimanded us severely. But as we exited the room he gave us all ice cream to sooth things out and encouraged us to rewrite our script, practice and return, bettering ourselves and our presentation.
His way of appreciation was different. But he was always a perfectionist and lived by what he preached.
Saikumar
Our Ruchir Sir is no more! Can’t believe it! One of the few, very near and dear to Swami and a torch bearer of Swami’s mission. All of us liked his extempore talks delivered during Trayee sessions. A soulful intellectual who surrendered himself to Swami! Dedicated teacher and a strict disciplinarian, exemplary to his students. He was remarkably sharp and intelligent. I was enamored by his calculating skills. Yet, an elder brother to all of us. It is too early to bid farewell…My Prayers to Swami to bless his soul.