A Tribute to Ph.D. Supervisor Dr. S. S. VERMA; Department of Physics, S.L.I.E.T., Longowal; Distt.-Sangrur (Punjab)-148 106
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) is considered as the highest degree to be achieved in any subject and to do Ph.D. we always need a supervisor. Selection or assignment of a supervisor is a major point in the career of a student aspiring for Ph.D. A student always remember his Ph.D. guide whether guide has helped him to acquire knowledge or to acquire Ph.D. Though, many times some guides are producing a large number of Ph.D.s and some are only few even then a long association with devotion and compliance of student to his Ph.D. guide brings him very near personally to the guide. The association during Ph.D. is different to other times associations with teachers like in school, colleges and university level courses. Every student has a special respect and regard for his Ph.D. supervisor. Many supervisors have special status in society may be due to their academics as well as number of scholars or brilliant career of their scholars. Their birthdays and anniversaries are celebrated in a remarkable manner and they find mention in newspapers and magazines. But most of the supervisors leave this mortal world without much recognition from society however with a special place in the hearts of their students. Every Ph.D. holder pays homage to his supervisor by guiding students in life if he gets a chance to do so. I would like to pay my heartiest tribute to the departed soul of my Ph.D. supervisor Prof. Briender Kumar Sawhney (B.K. Sawhney) who left this world last year. I joined IIT Delhi (Physics Department) in 1983 as a research scholar with great expectations. During my admission I talked to many professors regarding to pursue my Ph.D. with them but I landed with Professor Sawhney who himself was not there at the time of admission. Later I found Prof. Sawhney as a very amicable, down to earth, friendly man who used to take me along for tea whenever I visited him in his room for discussions. He always motivated me and put me at ease during the course of Ph.D. From his life style, I learnt a lot like to be updated in studies to teach the students. Prof Sawhney used to be always busy in his room for preparing his lectures for B.Tech students and has two books to his credit. I used to ask him the relevance or need of studying so much even after a long academic career. His answer used to be that B.Tech students are too good and they come well prepared for the lectures. Dr. Swahney did his Ph.D. under the supervision of Prof. Sodha (Padam Siri Awardee) in IIT Delhi and then joined IIT Delhi as a faculty. He went to abroad also for post doctoral studies. Prof. Sawhney guided 5-6 Ph.D. scholars and published many papers in international journals. I had few opportunities to visit Prof. Sawhney’s house in the campus for lunch or dinner. I found Mrs. Sawhney equally nice and concerned lady. Along with his wife and due to his friendly nature, they could give good attitude and values to his children (a son and a daughter) who are well educated and settled in their lives. In the last I have a grudge from myself that after completing my Ph.D. with his blessings and guidance, I could not keep in touch with Prof. Swahney due to my life duties and being little far away from Delhi. I pray to GOD that HE bless the gentle soul of Prof. Swahney to rest in peace and give enough strength to his family members to bear the loss. I also pray to GOD that such person should be allowed to re-visit this world in order to show the light to others.