In the memory of Prof. Rasu Jayabalan- A short-statured man with a king-size heart.

It was my early days in the department of Life Science, NITR. I used to sit along with other scholars on the third floor of the main building. Our seating arrangement was much or less like a round table where everyone with their PC or laptop share the central area. Towards my left, there was a cabin occupied by short stature, slim and average looking man always struggling with a bunch of papers. I noticed that except one or two scholars anyone hardly care about that cabin. Curiously, after ignoring for a few days I asked someone about that cabin, the reply was “he is a faculty”. I was surprised but when I interacted with my fellow scholars (Indira and Moumita) then it was assured that indeed he is a faculty in our department, and they are his grad students.

Still no interaction with that highly energetic and self-composed man without any ego or self-aggrandizement. After a few months, my PhD registration started, and faculties were assigned in my Doctoral scrutiny committee (DSC). I was still exploring NITR and juggling between two departments; Biotechnology and medical engineering (BM) and Life Science (LS). I spend more time in BM but I have to start work in LS too. Meanwhile, I must meet my DSCs to get their signatures on my PhD registration application form.

This was the first time, when I asked Indira about her PI, “Will he sign on my registration form, what if he asks anything? He hardly knows me?” her reply was very calm and comforting- “Don’t worry, Sir is very cool, he will sign without asking anything.”

I went to his cabin, a small desk with a nameplate- Assistant Prof. Rasu Jayabalan, some papers, files, and a PC, very neatly everything was arranged. I asked permission then introduced myself and asked his signature, a flash of 40-50 sec everything done with a smile and well wishes. So far except my PIs none of the faculties bothered to ask or wish anything to me. But here, he goes with a contagious smile wished me all the best for joining the department. From that day, I never forget to wish him and never ever he forgets to reply me back.

In the last five years, we met multiple times, in my PhD registration where he almost single-handedly defended me. Later happily gave me bacterial strains to complete my research work without any precondition of acknowledgment. During one of the International seminar, in which he was the co-convener, I saw him working day-night to ensure everything goes smooth, arranging hostels for visiting students, giving notes to organizers, keeping tabs to faculties and showing full respect to visiting faculties. Everything, he does with charm and eagerness to perfection. Once jokingly, I asked him “Sir, how do you manage all this? Don’t you get angry over people for showing less or no commitment?” His reply was simple “I do my job without expecting anything from others”. He was very enthusiastic in all the departmental activities and used to be students’ favorite.

One of his scholar (Eldin) was in my hostel, who shared more about him, I came to know that he used to pay stipend from his salary to one of the scholars because of delayed funding of the project. I never heard anything like this from other faculties. Master and bachelor students have been very fond of him, due to his punctuality and easy to approach attitude. He was very respectable in theSouth Indian community of NITR, I saw him on multiple occasion how people treat him like a friend rather a Professor.

Once, on a Sunday afternoon, he came to our hostel for lunch with Eldin. We were sitting with other hostelers, along with Eldin, he joined us. The gossip on the table was going on as usual without any hint of being with another hostel warden. When the gossip turned to ruder then Eldin reminded others about the presence of his PI, then people were stunned and ashamed. After lunch, when he went to pay for his plate, I reminded him “Sir, you are a warden, you should not pay”. He replied with a smile; “but not of this hostel”.

Last time, I met him was during my PhD defense when again he defended my work holistically and guided for future work. In the last five years, I used his recommendation letters several times (one of them helped me to secure a fellowship in Lisbon). Even after leaving NITR, I asked for a recommendation and the same day he replied that it has been done.

Last Saturday was one the saddest day when I got a message from my senior that the most admired man of LS with his wife have said goodbye to this earthly world very silently. From the early reports, it seems he took care of everyone before leaving, assigned his students to respective faculties, gave project codes, distributed assets among family members. Such a kind-hearted and well-mannered man who doesn’t want to trouble anyone even in his absence.

I don’t want to know how it happened but please tell why this happened. There are very few people who inspire to do good to others without any intention of return. He was obviously one of those few good men. I wonder how life could be so cruel that a kind-hearted man chooses to embrace death. Maybe we never know the real reason, but one thing is for sure only few are loved by all and they leave early. So, we need to hold them tight and talk to them.
- Rituraj