Adil Bashir
Professor (Dr.) Rajat Gupta, born and brought up in North-East, held the position of Director at National Institute of Technology Srinagar (NIT Srinagar) from 2011 to 2016, played a key role in streamlining and bringing it back on track of academics and harmony. In nurturing the favourable environment in the derailed campus, reformation in aged pedagogy, inception of innovative programs, bring Ph.D scholarships from Ministry, was popular name in the valley for his reputation and regard. NIT Srinagar shall remember Prof Gupta’s contribution in many facets and dimensions. He showed excellent professionalism with an extra ordinary attitude and outlook even with wranglers and prankish.
Dr. Gupta’s adept handling of challenges during protests, uprisings (frequent during his tenure), and major natural disasters, particularly the floods of 2014, provided valuable lessons and skill-building opportunities to his colleagues and disciples.
Under his leadership, the institute achieved significant progress, including conceiving an idea of building a state-of-the-art auditorium, guest house, hostels, residential houses, and an impressive playground, though the fact is that the imaginary dream was materialized by his immediate successor Prof Rakesh Sehgal, who proved to be true Avatar of NIT Srinagar. In fact the unimaginable progress was a result of a collective effort of Prof Rakesh Sehgal and his team who played a crucial role in maintaining harmony and achieving heights, beyond imagination.
Prof Gupta though a silent personality by nature, is an excellent orator and deep listener. His speeches used to be very precise, to the point, and meaningful during inaugurals of my national programmes. He has been the brain behind many innovative programs including extending support to organize INSPIRE Internship Programs (PM’s Initiative) and International Conferences successfully, first time in the valley in collaboration with different IITs. He always disliked vanity, criticism, and ostentations and often used to say that righteousness is the ornament of knowledge. This was one of his priceless virtues.
During an internship with School Children, while distributing Gulab Jamun to students after dinner, Prof Gupta shouted, why only one, give them two, they have our ambassadors of the valley. He immediately started distributing himself and once handed over the plates during dinner. Sometimes it so happens that we tend to forget the tender contributions of individuals who have been engrossed in building institutions.
Dozens of incidents exemplify Prof Gupta’s approachability and proactive problem-solving, demonstrating a hands-on approach to addressing crucial issues. Prof Gupta was on the same page with both higher-ups, Hon’ble Chairpersons Dr M J Zarabi and Shari Wajahat Habibullah. Before them, the Chief Ministers of the state served as the chairpersons of the Board of Governors (BoG) NIT Srinagar, whose contribution is also worth mentioning. The presence and guidance of Chairpersons to institutes of repute particularly to IT Srinagar is not only mandatory but also a big support to the administration. I believe Prof Rajat Gupta could be the right person to be appointed as Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BOG) of the Institute, the position has been vacant for many years.
Prof. Gupta is an iconic figure in India from North East who embodies several personalities. He is an engineer, educationist, institution builder, communicator- all rolled into one and a solider of knowledge. In conclusion, the vision and contribution of great personalities remain alive in our hearts and so shall remain. One cannot forget the immense contribution of Prof Gupta in shaping the minds and thoughts of large masses at NIT Srinagar His sagacity, compassion, and far-sightedness to spread the light of education will be remembered forever and we shall look forward for his return as Chairperson, Board of Governors, National Institute of Technology Srinagar. This is a wish in the interest of students, staff, and faculty.
The author is a former Head and teaches Nanotechnology at NIT Srinagar can be reached through mail at shah@nitsri.net
