INDIAN INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY (ISM), dHANBAD

I had the pleasure of presenting my book “Balli of Bagdih” to Prof. Rajiv Shekhar, current Director of Indian Institute of Technology (ISM) Dhanbad and earlier a professor for three decades at IIT Kanpur. For me, it was a very special moment – not only was I handing my book to the Head of the most prestigious institute in Dhanbad, the place where the story of my book is based, but also to a school senior who living in the same colony many of us looked up to while growing up. 

One of the oldest engineering institutes in India, founded almost a century back on the lines of Royal School of Mines, London - IIT (ISM), Dhanbad (formerly Indian School of Mines) holds a special place for many of us who grew up in Dhanbad. Many neighbours and parents of friends working in coal mines across were mining engineering graduates from the institute, and later quite a few of my childhood friends too. 

Handing over my book ‘Everything and Nothing’ to Dr. Philip Zerrillo, Deputy Dean, ISB (Indian School of Business). Dr. Z, as he is fondly called in the campus, is a PhD from Kellogg School of Management and a reputed professor of Marketing. An amazing person, who interestingly had a stint as a standup comedian in his early years, he is great to spend time with and learn from. I had wonderful conversation on various topics, and was particularly intrigued by his love for Bollywood movies and a secret desire to act in them. 

 My book ‘Everything and Nothing’ was launched on 2nd March, 2020 in my alma mater Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, Ranchi by the Vice Chancellor, Dr. S. Konar in the presence of Prof. Sandeep Dutta, Dean – Alumni and International Relations, faculty members and students. I handed over a set of books to Mr. Nath, in charge of library, for it to be placed in the Central Library. It was a beautiful and enriching experience interacting with professors and students. I was humbled by the courtesy extended to me and my wife by Dr. Konar. 

 I had the pleasure and good fortune of launching my books ‘Everything and Nothing’ and ‘In Retrospect’ on 3rd March, 2020 to teachers and students of De Nobili School, FRI, Dhanbad – a school that I studied in from KG to Std. XII and my wife passed her ISC from, and where the two of us had met. The event was graced by the presence of the current Principal, Fr. A. Amaladoss, S.J., the Rector, Fr. Oscar Horo, S.J., and to our great happiness Fr. Eric Cassel, S.J., who was the Principal during our school days and had especially travelled from Chaibasa where he is currently residing to be with us – making the day very memorable and special for us. We celebrated our wedding anniversary on this day with teachers and members of the staff.