A tribute to Pro. K. Narayana Reddy Sir - My journey from Complexity to Clarity

I got a decent rank in EAMCET and joined SVU College of Engineering, Tirupati, which is part of the SV University campus under the foothills of Lord Venkateswara. Until then, I had completed the majority of my education in my native language, Telugu. I was shy and, at the same time, excited to learn. However, my English was a bit of a deterrent when it came to standing up and speaking out. To my surprise, I found Prof. K. Narayana Reddy to be a god-sent guru.

He was an elderly man with spectacles, always dressed in a neatly ironed shirt and trousers. His wristwatch had a golden liner and a black dial, adding a touch of elegance to his appearance. During his first class, he would look at the attendance register and call us by our names and roll numbers. This meticulous approach showed his dedication to getting to know each student personally. After a few classes, he started calling us only by our names, which made us feel more recognized and valued. By the end of six weeks, he had memorized the names of all the students in the class. From then on, he would gaze around the classroom and silently take attendance, a practice that amazed us all. Remarkably, he remembered the names of his students even decades after they had finished college, a testament to his incredible memory and genuine interest in his students. He also remembered our hometowns and would make light-hearted jokes if we missed any class, asking if we were participating in a festival there.

Prof. Reddy's teaching style was unique and highly effective. He had a knack for breaking down complex concepts into simple, understandable parts. His classes were interactive and engaging, often involving hands-on activities. For instance, he would bring wooden models of various shapes and ask us to observe them and draw the views. This practical approach made the understanding of Engineering Drawing easy and fun. He encouraged us to ask questions and was always patient in explaining the answers, no matter how many times we asked. Through his personal touch and unique methods of teaching, he made a journey from complexity to clarity, ensuring that every student could grasp the concepts with ease.

He also had a remarkable ability to connect with his students on a personal level. He would often share anecdotes and real-life examples to illustrate the concepts he was teaching. This not only made the lessons more relatable but also helped us remember the material better. His empathy and genuine concern for our learning were evident in every class. He would stay back after class to help students who were struggling and would often provide additional resources and guidance to ensure everyone understood the material.

Outside the classroom, Prof. Reddy was equally inspiring. He encouraged us to take part in competitions and projects, fostering a spirit of innovation and creativity. His guidance and mentorship extended beyond academics, as he would often advise us on career choices and personal development.

Prof. Reddy was also known for his community involvement. His dedication to making a positive impact on the community was truly inspiring and instilled in us a sense of responsibility and empathy.

Prof. Reddy was truly a guru of gurus, with empathy as his core value. His dedication to his students and his passion for teaching left a lasting impression on me. I will always remember him for the rest of my life.

This is my tribute to a great guru - who helped me sail from Complexity to Clarity in life