Though I am late in writing about Prof. Rajaraman, the reason being that I thought many of his students and faculty colleagues had written sufficiently about him. But, as I have got a different experience, as a Computer Centre Staff, under him, it will throw light on different aspects of his life.
I was recruited and nurtured by him during his tenure at IIT Kanpur. I found him to be the utmost disciplined and organized person. He was always regular on his daily walk. After taking his morning class in Western Labs, he will always visit, 7044-1401, computer centre lab, check the register and have a look around and go to his room in CC. He will not unnecessarily talk to anybody around.
Whenever somebody went to meet him in his room, he will make sure that he finishes the discussion in minimum time. He was always busy with his business, preparing lectures or writing books. I had never seen him gossiping on roads or in corridors with anybody, no waste of time.
He was a father figure in the department as he had recruited almost everybody around and supervised as Head. So, we all referred to him as ‘Budhau’ in kanpuria language, though secretly. Another name which was also popular for him was ‘Hun Hun’ as he was always responding with these words in any conversation.
The specific lessons I have taken from him for life, are three. First, coming to any class, he will say two words ’Any questions’. This thing helps a teacher in remembering to revise the material covered in last class. Second, a motivation for life long learning, that is ‘Humko jo Aata hai wo mutthi bhar hai, baki duniyan bhar hai’. Third, in an interview, I used ‘CONTINUE’, statement while writing a code then one of the interviewers commented that it could be avoided, he promptly interrupted by say that ‘anyway, it is a good habit’. I used this lesson to pursue good habits in my life.
Finally, I salute the great soul who affected my life very positively.