We are a society where knowledge provider's status comes even before God. But then there is a problem. If you are better than God then why do you need worldly comforts! You should be surviving on alms. At least when it comes to the university teachers (knowledge providers) every ten years they make some noise in the media and in the corridors of Human Resources Ministry and related Bhavans in New Delhi and end up getting some thing out of the Pay Commission booty; not out of any great considered policy decision but due to their sheer numbers. How many of us are aware that there is no effective mechanism in our country to revise the salary structure of scientists employed by many of the Research Councils!! These poor creatures (knowledge creators) are neither teachers (so they cannot make noise) nor civil servants of Government of India (do not enjoy the bureaucratic might). Thus, no surprise, every pay commission the salary structure of scientist slips down. As one such victim, I always have dreaded Pay Commission Report. Good news is that the current pay commission may be the last for me. I pray that at least one of my students would pursue a more lucrative career in industry so that he/ she may return one day to clear my medical bills!
An article well written. It created an aura of gloom.It should be an eye-opener to the Government system. At least heartening to note that You people could lend a helping hand in the last stage of a Professor who had served his good days for the welfare of students.
We should have some system whereby hapless Professors and public servants should get whatever possible help from the Society.
I got the msg. immediately but I was not aware of the fact that you have narrated. In fact that's the reality of a Director, who has very little scope to earn money thru: consultancy, edps etc. Since I worked under him I was fully aware that he never tried to earn by other methods. In fact his personal life was also very simple. Occasionally, I met Mrs. Aiyar. Often she was seen marketing without using the Institute's vehicle. I do not know how to share the grief.
We are a society where knowledge is worshiped and knowledge provider's status comes even before God. But then there is a problem. If you are better than God then why do you need wordly comforts and money to buy these! You should be surving on alms. At least when it comes to the university teachers (knowledge providers) every ten years they make some hangama and noise in the media and in the corridors of Human Resources Ministry and related Bhavans in New Delhi and end up getting some thing out of the Pay Commisssion booty, not out of any great considered policy decision but due to their sheer numbers. How many of us are aware that there is no effective mechanism in our country to revise the salary structure of scientists employed by many of the Reseach Councils!! These poor creatures (knoweldge creators) are neither teachers (so they cannot make noise) nor civil servants of Governement of India (do not enjoy the beaurocratic might). Thus, no surprise, every pay commission the salary structure of scientist slips down. As one such victim, I always have dreaded Pay dCommision Report. Good news is that the current pay commission may be the last for me.
I fully agree to the menace of Indian System when Teachers, Builders f the Nation's concsience, are not receiving deserving place.
Their agitations are also infractuous b'coz it does can't dent the administartion or commerce.
I express my support to any endeavour in uprise of conscience of Indian Society/Polity where teachers are elevated to the status of "GURUJI" in truest sense. Teachers are patronized by the society to indulge only in learning and spreading the knowledge, wisdom and morale by words and actions both, and not being required to bother for the economic security/welfare of themselves and their offsprings.
This is absolutely essential to regain RAMRAJYA or heights of VEDIC ages.
Honestly there are still people like Ramu Iyer crazy about academics, and not bothered about the financial security they may get in an outer world...It is passion for knowledge...not for money and it is sad that this quest is not recognized well by the nation...Knowledge power will rule soon this world. Knowledge is more reliable than money which is fluctuating...I expect a change.
Sir, I felt very sad hearing the plight of IIM professor in his last few days. Your article is very thought provoking on how our bureaucratic system determines the salaries of our great teachers who impart us the virtues of life. At the same I would say people like you, who have never forgotten your teachers and took all the pain to see him in last days are an inspiration to the youth of country like me. People like you still instill the confidence in our system and all is not lost and this country can still be developed. Thanks for sharing a nice article and my deepest condolences to the family of the professor.
I have always thought i had "chances" of getting into an IIM. If the last para didnt end with "the alumni getting the money.." .. my chances of getting into an IIM would have got down to an absolute 0.
