“Ladies and gentlemen..! Please put your hands together and hear it loud for the one and only: The S. K. Somaiya-‘Dabang’. He’s none other than our very own professor- Mr. Nitin Pawar! Let’s give him a round of applause!!”
It started from the time while I was hosting my college fest- “Utkarsh-2010”. I was live and conducting a contest to hunt- ‘The S. K. Somaiya- Dabang’. The event was basically meant for the students, but something unusual happened. I saw a young man elegantly walking towards the stage, soaring in confidence high enough to touch the sky, harnessed with style and attitude, with a pair of aviators (sun glasses) hooked behind his collar, sparkling eyes and he had a big broad smile on his face. In a jiffy he came upstairs and stood firm to retain his ground and actively participated in the league.
I was astonished to see the spirit and enthusiasm in him, even though I had seen him for the first time. I acknowledged and appreciated his act of sportsmanship and initiation by sharing a smile. At the same time curious to know about him as to whom he was? Ultimately, my anxiety broke out and I happened to ask one of my seniors as to who he was? He quickly told me the whereabouts of Prof. Nitin Pawar and on knowing a few things I became more curious and restless to know about him more. As if some butterflies struck in and took a sway within me. I was highly impressed and taken away by his vibrant personality. Perhaps I was glad to have him on the stage but soon realised that it was not the right time to think about all this and had to move on with the contest. I certainly had my eyes intact on his performance. He gave a tough time to all his competitors and eventually stole the show to win away the tittle.
After the completion of the event, I was in search of him and finally saw him standing along with a huge crowd of students. Laughing, giggling, joking and spreading smiles all over. It seemed that everyone really enjoyed his company and presence. Even I went along to be a part of them to enjoy the treat. He welcomed me and held my shoulder and made me comfortable. I had a great time and realised that he was a great company, very jovial, friendly and adorable by nature.
Later everyone left and we walked towards the college gate which was at a fair distance away from us. During our conversation, I got to know more about him. Prof. Nitin Pawar is a graduate in Bachelors of commerce, has completed his Masters degree in M.com and M.Phil. He upholds a MBA degree with specialisation in finance and aspires to do a Ph. D program. He is into the teaching profession since past eight years and teaches in some of the reputed colleges since last 5 years. He is a full-time faculty in S. K. Somaiya College of Arts, Science and Commerce. He chairs the Coordinatorship of self- financed course of ‘Banking and Insurance’. He is a visiting faculty in many colleges and more often visits different colleges as a Guest lecturer. He has his grip and command over the subjects like Financial Accounting, Cost accounting, Managerial accounting, Financial Management & Corporate Finance. He is a young and dynamic professional who has a very pleasant and charming personality. He has not restricted himself to his profession, instead serves the society as an activist, a socialist, a reformist, etc. who realises his responsibilities and duty towards the society as well and contributes towards its betterment. Prof. Nitin possessed all the attributes and qualities of a perfect teacher. He deservingly upholds the image to be called as a true educationalist! He genuinely lived up to my expectation of being a teacher. He clearly defines the meaning of what it takes to be a real teacher. So I wanted him to teach me at least once in my life. I revealed my wish to him and bid good bye and left for home.
I was always keen and interested to learn under him. Not because he taught brilliantly, but because he was the one who broke and shattered my perception and view about the student- teacher relationship; which I believed to be a formal one!
I realised my wish, when Nitin Sir walked into my class to teach us ‘Cost Accounting’, one of his favourite subjects in my Second Semester. I was very happy and excited to see him. The session began and he kick-started the lecture by introducing himself; followed by a brief introduction about the college, its culture, faculties and of utmost importance the subject. His style of teaching was unique and impressive. His innovative way of teaching distinguishes himself from other faculties. Nitin Sir simply follows and implement the idea of “KISS” i.e. Keep It Simple Stupid!! He likes to keep things simple and easy. Easy enough to understand and explore. His graph of teaching and explanation begins right from the grass-root level (basic level) and gradually propels towards the peak. He never makes us realise the complexities and toughness of any given problem since he makes it really simple and feasible to crack. He ensures that every student is involved and is participative during his lectures. He ensures a perfect blend of learning with fun which truly justifies the statement of- “Learn with fun”. His lectures are hilarious in nature at the same time in relevance with the subject of course! He is impactful and effective. He is truly loved and admired by all.
Prof. Nitin’s teaching methods are always student-oriented. In his opinion, teaching is fun only when the students are a part of it. He believes that teaching should be done by keeping in mind the students, their abilities, potential and calibre to understand and relate to the subject. Mere teaching is of no use if the students fail to understand and co-relate to the topics. The methods of teaching and training should be student centric which helps the students to feel the subject and understand it better.
In a discussion with him, I had asked him about his views and opinions about the student and their life in college with regards to academics, sports, cultural and co-curricular activities, etc. On which he has his personal take as mentioned below:
ü He believed that marks and academics should not be the only judging criteria to rate a student’s calibre and potential.
ü An all-round development of student is the need of the hour to face the global challenges and help a student to grow and excel in real competitive world.
ü Development of right attitude, aptitude and culture adds to the personality of the students thus helping them to emerge out as true winners in life.
ü Allocation of marks should not only be according to the academic proficiency but shall also be as per the forte or skill possessed by the student, which includes cultural and co-curricular activities.
On knowing and being in company with Nitin Sir gives joy and fun. He has really helped me along at times of leaps and bounds. Whenever I was in need of any support and guidance, Nitin Sir has always stood beside me in form of a support, guide, mentor, counsellor, and guardian and of utmost importance a friend. He is open and understanding enough to share and discuss matters relating to all walks of life. He is a true friend and a great companion to be with. Under his light of knowledge and wisdom, I have learnt a lot. He is a true admiration and a real role model to look upon. What makes him great are not his achievements in life, but the quality of his thoughts and righteous behaviour which makes him a good human being.
In the future course of time, there are many more things to learn from him. But I am truly grateful to the almighty for introducing Nitin Sir as one of the most important and crucial chapter of my life that has given me a new vision and dimension to it altogether. He is a true inspiration to me. Words are not enough to express my gratitude towards him but the below mentioned feelings will help him to understand the essence of it.
“Guru Brahma Gurur Vishnu
Guru Devo Maheshwaraha
Guru Saakshat Param Brahma
Tasmai Sri Gurave Namaha”
Submitted By –
Siddharth Dhansingh Tilante
S.K. Somaiya College
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