The teacher who engineered MindTree president's future

BANGALORE, INDIA: In my view a teacher is the one who not only teaches the assigned subject, but guides the student at the right time and thinks beyond self. For me, Dr.Srinivasan, Professor of chemistry at Government Arts College, Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, has been my inspiration as well as a guide at the right time in my life.

I used to love Chemistry (in 1972-73) and wanted to be a chemist. My father having been in government service, considered a job in bank as the best thing in those days. Having scored high marks in chemistry in the Pre University examination, I was on crossroads whether to go for BSc Chemistry as per my wish or B.Com as per my father’s interest.

I took my father to Prof Srinivasan to provide guidance to us. He took no time to tell us that both of us may not be right. He told that chemistry may not have much scope in South India beyond teaching profession or ending up in a clerical role. Also with my score in PU, there were chances of getting into engineering with scholarship (without which it was beyond our dream).

I got into engineering with scholarship and got into IT down the line and what I am today has a major influence of guidance from Prof Srinivasan. He could have simply suggested me to go ahead with chemistry since it was the subject he used to passionately teach, or go with commerce since that was of mass appeal those days. He thought beyond on what will be good for me and also gave comfort that financing won’t be a major burden on my family.

Teachers make our life and Prof Srinivasan is a shining example for me.

Also, read about favourite teachers of successful IT honchos:

Althea Systems CEO Kishore A K: My teacher influenced my career choice

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Ajay Srivastava, CIO, S Mobility: Why Mahesh sir is my favourite