Part II Memoir The English Department (Estd.1919) D.A-V.College,Kanpur

It was destined for me to serve in the Institution and the department which basked in the glory of its legacy. Stalwarts with pan India reputation brought immense pride among students and teachers ,alike.To name Prof.D.N.Chakroborty, Prof.Sharda Prasad Saksena,Prof.R.D.Trivedi and Prof.S.P.Singh. From 1919 to 1977 there were twenty seven members on the Staff of the English faculty. The department blossomed in the shadow of the trio -Prof. Saksena,Prof.Trivedi and Prof.Singh. The mantle of headship was transferred to an erudite scholar Dr.M.M.Saksena in 1977. Later on in January 1988 I became a small part of this very enlightened staff room. On the very first day was assigned a class of B.A. by the serious faced Dr.Saksena. Time flies and in 1989 the headship was handed over to Prof.M.P.Amist,who also contributed in carrying forward the strong foundation laid by his predecessors till 1991.What a gem of a person was Dr.S.N.Bajpai! He was soft spoken and had an elephants memory. He made me note all the names of the teachers who had served in the department year-wise. Hat’s off to him. Dr.B.M.Saksena shall be remembered for taking the department to newer heights by organizing the first ever International Conference during his tenure. Scholars across the country participated. Prof.Barbara Hardy from London was the Key Speaker. I owe to him for giving me an opportunity to play an active role in shaping the conference. He retired in 1993 only to be succeeded by another stalwart Dr.Devarshi Sharma,who was also a political activist.during his regime two National Seminars were organised in 1998 & 1999. We had the honour of having the then Speaker of Uttar Pradesh Assembly Shri Keshari Nath Tripathi ji as Chief Guest. Both the academic events drew scholars from various Universities. Dr. Sharma was also my research guide and all my manuscripts were posted to Shri Vridaban Dham for his perusal as he had shifted to serve Behari ji. I personally owe to him for his great support and guidance. Stylish and always armed with an Urdu Couplet Dr. Govind Shankar Nigam took over the Chair from Dr.Sharma in 2001 and continued till 2003. I had a special relationship with him. We, together, did the brooming and cleaning of the department in an uninhibited way leaving the baggage of complex in one corner. We also formed “Study Circle” which continued till Dr.B.M.Saksena was heading us. Regular paper reading and academic discussions were held in all seriousness. Moreover all Seniors Members were Deans,Conveners and Executive Councilors at the University level. A great achievement for the department. My personal rapport with all outgoing heads was full of love and respect. Mutual bonding was the essence in carrying forward the relationship till date. Their able guidance paved a very smooth path when the tests came on my way.

In 2003 the mantle of headship came on my shoulders. It was a huge responsibility to fulfill the dreams and aspirations of my predecessors. In 2003 we had eleven members and within few years the strength rose to Seventeen. All members of the faculty stood like a rock behind me to advice,help and encourage in all my endeavors. To begin with the Workshop on Indian Poetics which was attended by teachers of all affiliated colleges of CSJMU .We had Prof. M.S.Kushwaha from Lucknow University, who was well known for his penchant for the subject along with Prof.M.P.Sinha from CSJMU to conduct this event.

In the year 2005 we organised UGC sponsored National Seminar which drew accolades from one and all who attended the academic discourse. Noted Indian English Poet Prof.Jayant Mahapatra was the Chief Guest and drew lots of applause from the scholars and students. He stayed for three days with us. The topic was “Familial Relations in Indian writing in English”

Later on in 2008 we had another National Seminar on “Shifting Paradigms in Contemporary American Literature.” This too was sponsored by the UGC. We had galaxy of Speakers from several Universities. Prof.Adam Klien,noted Novelist and Musician came from US as the Chief Guest. I am thankful to American embassy and Academic Incharge for giving us the opportunity to organise the seminar. We also had full bright scholars from Punjab University,Chandigarh and Punjabi University,Patiala.Scholars from BHU,Allahabad,Agra,Lucknow,Rewa,Ravi Shankar,Gorakhpur and Jaipur Universities contributing new vistas to the academic deliberations.

The department has always been in the forefront of organsing,attending, presesenting and pubilishing papers in Journals of repute. Apart from academic activities the department always contributed immensely towards the progress of the department and college. We have had a healthy tradition of mutual respect and love towards one another. I take this moment to wish each member of the department a very prosperous future and happy life.

Still little left to write about..bear with me and wait patiently!

1st.; Prof Chaudhary (Christ Church), Prof.B.M Saksena,Prof.V.N.Sinha add Prof.G.S.Nigam

2nd. Second from the left Prof.M.M Saksena,Prof.S.K.Shukla,( Prof.Khan from Haleem Muslim College)

For oft,when o my couch I lie... .They flashupon that inward eye which is a bliss of solitude;...

                                                                  Part one: Memoir

D.A-V-College,Kanpur

I owe a lot to this historical institution. Though parting is difficult but if one has inner peace and satisfaction then one happily takes the moment sportingly. My journey as a teacher started in 1984 and just like a river went on and on smoothly finally taking rest on reaching the destination on 30 June 2021.

During this journey I came across many friends and well wishers who gave some meaningful mould to my initiatives and career.

As a student I was proud to be guided by Late Prof.Harish Chandra,Prof.V.N.Sinha, Late Prof.O.P.Govil,Prof.M.P.Siha, Prof.Daniel Singh and not to miss the contribution of Mrs. Nita Dave Jain and Mrs.Mitra. I shall be indebted to all of them.

Later in life Prof.Khopkar from Dhar(M.P) Shri P.K.Varma from Nainital, my bridge partner immensely supported me in my endeavors.My regards shall always be there for them.

Had never thought of joining D.A-V.College but it was destined. Firstly I am thankful to our then Secretary Late Dr.Nagendra Swarup (Dear Ashtu Bhaiya) ,whose blessings were always with me. He was an institution of learning in his own way. I was unfortunate not to pay my reverence on 30 June2021and seek his blessings for the future.

I am thankful to Principals under whom I worked and learnt the nuances of being a worthy teacher. Dr.Vidyakant Srivastava inspired and made me run and learn the art of administration in my earlier career. His administrative skills were amazing. Thank you Sir for making me stand upright.

Dr.Johri made a mark as a Principal and shaped Self finance courses in the college.

Dr.M.K.Singh reposed his faith in me by assigning responsibilities which made me learn little more.

I ,personally, owe a lot to Dr.Ashok Kumar Saxena ,who gave me feathers to fly and accomplish various projects including NAAC ACCREDITATION.The College was awarded B++ and the spirit of enthusiasm was unparalleled among the stakeholders. Under his patronage Badminton and Cricket games were well organized for four years without any break under the aegis of Teachers Club. Dr.Saxena was also Secretary of ISCA. A decorated scholar and hard task master. Thank you for all your support.

The college underwent metamorphosis in 2009 only coming back to lively atmosphere in 2016 when Prof.L.N.Varma took over as Principal. Though for a short period but his straightforward mannerisms were well praised on the campus.Varma ji was also coordinator of NAAC Steering Committee in 2007 and later on of IQAC.He was a friend, philosopher and guide to me.

Heart smiled and shoulders became stronger when a friend took over the reigns of the college . It was a matter of pride and pleasure.

In July 2017 Dr.Amit Kumar Srivastava was appointed as Principal. It was a great moment for teachers and other staff members of the college. Polite,erudite and meaningful in words and action. He was blessed to lead the Centenary Year Program in 2019. Mr.President of India along with the CM of U.P. attended the historical occasion.

Once again the Campus was humming with activities-academic,sports and literary events were held in scores.Last, but not the least a memoir to mark "Wall of Valour"in honour of Paramvir Chakra Winners on the Campus. Dr.Amit has a glorious past ,a vibrant present and a very promising future.

Booming with energy and late night notices(on lighter note) always held us on our toes.

Memories galore but bear with me in my next few write-ups I shall continue talking about my years well spent and lessons learnt on the D.A-V. Campus.

Thank you

To be continued.........

Cheers for Anna Hazare for uniting the Nation on the issue of Corruption.It was good to see that people came out in Hundreds to voice their concern.It was a great show of Indian Ethos.People are fed up with big brother ,in the Orwellian sense,attitude of the politicians.They can,t be more equal than others.Unfortunately,they have always been above board.

It is ,equally, important to curb the practice of Rs 50-100=00 asked & readily made available by us to Babus,Chaprasis & Police Constable for quick dispensation of work.We must learn to stand in queue and take personal pains to ensure that the job is accomplished without seeking any favour through the green chit .Anna can be successful only if we ,too,become honest and avoid making people dishonest.

Candle Marchers must take a pledge to follow & practice for what they have Torched the White Stick.

Well,its time to ponder after Plenty of Candle marches to eradicate corruption.Friend,let's ask a question to ourselves-how many times we have made ourself easily available to grease palm and come back home with a sign of being Victorious ?The very idea of being Honest has vanished from our minds.We are more concerned of getting the work done by hook or by crook,even if a little money has to pass for it.This sense of Individuality of Purpose has made this demon flourish in the Society.We have to learn to face hardships,if any, to justify our Candle March?