Prof. Kushal Deb, HSS Department, IIT Bombay
Excellence in Teaching Award, 2004

The very first thing that strikes you when you meet Prof Deb is his looks. Usually in rolled up sleeves and jeans, Prof Deb looks much unlike a regular professor. And you might mistake him for just another hunk when you meet him at the student gym in the evening. And mind you, he can lift more weights than anybody else coming to the gym!

But inside this hard outer appearance is a soft person. His cool and friendly approach encourages students to participate and speak in the class. No wonder his lectures on Freud are a hit among the second year students. Even with students who hold drastically different positions from him on social issues, he is never righteous, or preachy.

His emphasis is always on expression of ideas rather than rote memory or flowery language. In one case, when a student used Topology and Maths to explain Socialization, Sir went to the extent of sitting with the student at the Nescafe joint to understand what he was attempting to express in his answer, so that he could evaluate the answer justly.

But dont take his soft nature for granted. He is a students nightmare when it comes to grading, unless you really do well in the exam.

"Deb Sir" is a students' prof in all rights. No wonder most of us rush to him whenever we have to point to be communicated to the faculty. As Hostel Warden, PAF judge or member of various review committees, Prof Deb has always been very popular with the students. And though he encourages the student participation in extra-curriculars, he is equally critical when something goes amiss.

A great teacher in class, a father cheering his son in the swimming pool, a coach in the gym, a friend outside the classroom, and an amazingly warm human being - thats Prof Deb.

We, his students, have had the chance to learn that values like straightforwardness, honesty and courage born of conviction, are more important than limited goals like success and self-promotion. Sir, we will remember you long after we graduate from here.

Date: Sep 5, 2004