Dinkar Patrayani
B. Com (Hons.), Brindavan 1996-99
MBA, Prasanthinilayam, 1999-2001

Those who say “Those who can do, do; others teach” haven’t met the man of few words but great impact Sri Ruchir Desai Sir. As a 1st year UG student in 1996 when I joined Brindavan and newly into Swami’s fold little did I know how much of an influence Ruchir Sir would have on me and many other students like me.

I joined the hostel for the summer course and was thinking about my first day away from home, I realized that I needed a few things. A brother suggested, just go the stores and buy it. And within few hours of joining the hostel Ruchir sir entered my life.

His brilliant mind could calculate faster than anyone we had met, his sharp wit mixed with sarcasm to drive home an insight never failed; people would see his characteristic attitude, yet his face looked like he was always thinking/ analyzing something.

While accounting, finance was his forte – his project management skills were unparalleled. Whether it be sports meet, summer courses, functions, festival celebrations the undercurrent was Ruchir Sir.

Being a B.Com student, being in Stores I feel privileged to have seen how ‘Desai from Sathya Sai’ was a strong pillar of not just Brindavan campus but for the entire Sai family. It would not be an exaggeration when I say he was a colossus who wore multiple hats not just effortlessly but expertly. In fact he was a perfectionist in whatever hat he wore.
When asked whether there will be a choice of questions in the examination paper- his answer was – “Yes, you will have a choice – to answer it or not”. The greatest aspect of his teaching was his ability to connect with students at their level and endless energy to ensure they did well. There would always be a twist in the question paper to check whether what is being learnt is being applied or not.

One of the reverberating statement in my head forever has been ‘There is a method to the madness’- he said his while teaching us about stock markets. I think it applied to his brilliant way of functioning as well, as amidst multiple things to do- he brought a method to it.

There would be no one across batches who would not have had a special memory of him. And that’s why several of us consider his physical departure a personal loss. A dear guide, a role-model, a constant assuring presence, indeed an elder brother leaves behind many fond memories. It will take a lot of effort to move on. Miss you Ruchir Sir!