Life as a Professor in India: A Fun Voyage through the Chalk Dust and Tea!

‘PROFESSOR’!!!!!.. The name usually brings about a mix of sentiments from our childhood. Some fun and positive, some mixed with hints of fear. As an adult I am privileged to be part of the unique adventure of life as an Assistant Professor. It’s a colourful blend of culture, creativity and chaos. From standing on the podium in front of a board, a screen, in one of the auditoriums or the life of friendship sipping tea with your colleagues who end up becoming some of your closest friends, this career is anything but dull.

Let’s unveil the curtain to various scenes at the entertaining, quirky and just plain rollercoaster of being a professor in this little world.

The classes usually begin with the bright and eager or sleepy and disinterested faces wishing you with the age-old anthem of goooooooooddd mooooorrrnnninggg maaaaaaaa’aaammm and then begins the ritualistic task of taking attendance, a task akin to herding cats. Those who have had the privilege of living with a cat knows the impossibility and enjoyment of managing those cute little munchkins. Every teacher has their own style with some calling out names with the flair of an opera conductor while others at the speed of flash where names blend with one another. Students have their own counter strategies from using decoys to proxies to the daily drama of proving their attentiveness while in fact their dreams had taken them to a world of fairies and dragons to be slain.

Professors in India are multitalented and a jack of all trades, being a guardian, mentor, life coach, counsellor, psychologist, instructor, friend (ultimate privilege) and sometimes, one of my favourites, a detective.

Classes are an adventure in itself. One minute you are passionately explaining to the students’ economic theories from barter system to the wars and great depression while the students are wide eyed in shock at the number of zeroes of the percentage of worst inflations that has plagued economies and the next you are debating on which is the best tea place in and around campus.

Exam answer papers come with their own surprises which makes you question your own sanity and that of economists before you while you decipher handwriting that look like unearthed ancient scrolls and read answers that feel straight out of a thriller where you hunt for murdered theories or graphs. You will always have future economists with very innovative papers with their own undiscovered theories that makes you want to applaud their creativity. Then there is always that one student who writes “I don’t know the answer”.... Well! Got to give points for honesty.

Staff meetings are where there is real action. “Short” meetings are a myth. It usually starts with discussion of ideas, goes on to debates, decoding of latest university regulations and will eventually move on to personal home mysteries, drama and gossip and of course, tea.

Indian colleges are famous for their collection of vibrant festivals where professors play a vital role as organizers, judges, cheerleaders, disciplinarians and sometimes, reluctant participants in student flash mobs. The days leading to it will see a lot of frantic last minute emergency meetings and running around (which certainly helps with your health step counter). Every minute is worthwhile as you see the campus come alive with music, dance, decorations, stalls, food and happy little faces flushed with excitement.

A heart-warming part of being a professor is the surprise of running into former students in places that are unexpected, be it church, at a restaurant, a grocery store (where you pretend not to see them in your pajamas) or even at a traffic jam. Their fond memories of you and your classes just makes your day as each encounter is a memento to the impact you have on someone however insignificant it may seem at the time.

The affection that students shower you with is one of the most fulfilling aspects, whether in the form of seeking your advice, sharing their stories of vacation or challenges, peeping into your staffroom to say hello or even in the form of small meaningful messages or tokens. The love in their bright eyes, warm smiles and eager hearts is built on respect, trust and genuine care that leaves a lasting impact reminding a teacher of the difference they make in shaping a young life.

And finally, the elixir that fuels a professor, TEA!!!!. Whether with a dash of ginger in a clay pot or a sophisticated one in a fancy café or even in the small paper cups in the canteen, this beverage is part of the everyday and keeps the academia going. Every meeting, programme, breaks and the start of every day.

So, the verdict is that it’s not just a profession. It’s an experience that’s dynamic, creative and diverse as our economy. It’s not just a "job", you are the steering wheel for the new generation that will run the country. Noble profession?? I absolutely agree. So, here’s to the Professors of the world! For their patience, passion and perpetual quest for knowledge, to make a difference. And to a splendid cup of Tea.