Tribute by Kapil Hari Dwivedi (Chemical 2007):
It is very sad news for all of us (especially for Chemical alumni) that Dr. Surendra Kumar (known as SK with love among his students) is no more. He passed away on the morning of 31st December 2007. He was undergoing treatment for Blood Cancer.
He joined the department in 1976 and had specialization in Air Pollution Control (Environmental Engineering). He was one of the most students-friendly teachers of the department. He always supported students, and played a major role for many years as Training & Placement in-charge of Chemical engineering department in arranging summer internships/trainings.
He used to take the distillation part of Mass Transfer course beside Pollution Control and some other courses. For more than a decade he was teaching the distillation part, and people have relied a lot upon his section to get through. His style of teaching was very unique and he used to present very complex concepts in a very lucid manner. His approach in laboratories was also very good, and based upon concepts.
He has shown a great affection to all of us. He accompanied and guided us during our industrial tour, and we shared a lot of very good and light moments with him. His classes used to be filled with concept and a lot of light moments. Also at the end of our studies, the portion of chemical engineering that each one of my batch still remembers is the one he taught.
He was the first department faculty member with whom I interacted. It was the first day of first year, when due to ragging I went to seek an advice. Since his room was just after the stairs on 1st floor (and he was the only one left in the dept.) I asked him for his advice. He only said one thing, "Man, just go ahead. Keep your cool. You should not be disturbed with such small things. What matters is the bigger goal." And I am following his advice till now.
He was not well at the time of our farewell photo session. But we never thought that he will leave us so soon. We are and we will remain grateful to him throughout our lives.
He was a very humble person, a very knowledgeable and very helpful. He always remained down-to-earth and simple. He is survived by his wife, a daughter and a son.
Let us all pray God to give rest to his soul and support to his family.
Kapil Hari Dwivedi (Chemical 2007)
Kuala Lumpur
Email: kapil.dwivedi@shell.com