My unheralded IIT-ian Friend

The day brought cheer - not in the form of yet another holiday, but by a heart warming article in a recent edition of the Indian Express (27 Sep 09) of a dear friend of mine Prof. Preeti Ranjan Panda (Read all about him here). The article 'A Matter of Choice' has the tag lines

"After he quit his $1,20,000 job in the Silicon Valley, Panda can still afford family vacations, if not in Europe anymore than in Kasauli, but his favourite sports skiing and hiking must be relegated to memory"

 and

"At a time when IIT Professors are on strike demanding a pay hike, The Sunday Express meets former IITian who took the academic root back to IIT"

Today when we are clamouring for fat pay-checks, promotions, recognition (read hundreds of articles/views/post where my brethens cried hoarse when there was no press coverage for martyrs!!!), Preeti Ranjan comes as a breath of fresh air, an inspiring young Indian who goes about his duty with dedication without a whimper.

And of course, I wrote back to Preeti Ranjan:

"I am proud of you!!! You choice of career and dedication is itself an achievement!! I am honoured to have crossed your path, and its a privilege knowing you and your family! Money, position, Ranks don't mean a thing if one can't do ones calling!!! I am envious of your courage of conviction! Just hope I too get some inspiration. And the article is very nicely written too!!"