Guiding project work of students is an integral part of my profession. I have come across many interesting incidents while guiding students in their project work. Over the years the students have started copying whatever material is available on the internet and submitting the same as project report, without even reading it. So, I keep telling my students that the only unfortunate soul destined to read your report is your project guide! But one particular incident is unforgettable.
Once a boy submitted a copy of his project report to me. While reading, I saw something strange in ‘Acknowledgements’. I did not know whether to laugh or fume. That evening during a project review meeting I brought this to the notice of Prof. Malathi Bolar, who was the Director of my Institute at that time. Prof. S N Murthy, a senior colleague and a good friend of mine, was also present. We could not control our laughter reading what the boy had written. Prof. Bolar said, ‘let us call this boy and have some fun’. He was immediately summoned. Prof. Bolar was a tough lady and getting summoned by her was itself enough to terrify anybody. Slipping over the report to him, she said, ‘Read what you have written there. What does that mean?’ He picked up the report and started reading. I could see his face turning pale as he progressed. With shivering voice, he said, ‘I am sorry madam, I am really sorry. I don’t know how this happened. I will immediately change this madam, sorry madam……..’
This is what he had written in Acknowledgments: ‘I would like to thank Prof. M Ajoy Kumar for his assassination during the project work’!!! He probably wanted to write ‘Association’ or ‘Assistance’.
While walking out of the Director’s office, Prof. Murthy whispered in my ear, ‘at last somebody showed the courage to tell you the truth’!!! We couldn’t stop laughing. Few years later, when this boy came to meet me, I told him, ‘Hey, you are still around? I had assassinated you long ago!’
(Note: This boy is in touch with me. Some of his batch mates may remember this incident. I request you not to reveal his name or tag him in your comment. My intention of writing this is just to share a funny anecdote, not to embarrass him)
