Fierce and Fearless…This is how I remember you!

Fierce and Fearless…This is how I remember you!

These are the two words that suddenly occupied my mind when I heard about the demise of professor Janki Rajan. Though I got a very brief exposure to this great soul, it was intense. An exposure that leaves a lasting impression. I think I share this feeling with most of my friends who got an opportunity to be her students.

Once in the class, she defined what is learning? She explained…It occurs in the intimate relationship between the learner and the teacher. This intimacy was reflected when she taught in the class. This can be equated with the phrase “total presence”. What a fascination with teaching she had! How fascinating was seeing her teaching!

She didn’t hesitate to dismiss an idea…she never hesitated to accept her limitations. For her, teaching was not limited to the classroom. WhatsApp was another space where she engaged with students (Pre-Pandemic Period). If and when the debate starts…time lost its significance. On several occasions, she has intensely debated on WhatsApp with her students till the wee hours of the morning.

Few people agree to engage with the person who often doesn’t conform. I deeply connect to her idea of secular-democratic India which promotes diversity and plurality. I contested her whenever she questioned the reform brought by Delhi Govt in Public education. To my surprise, she invited me to be a co-facilitator when she was requested to give a lecture by the Academic Staff College, Jamia Milia, for the capacity building of professors. In that lecture also…She criticized the reforms introduced by Delhi Govt. in Schools. I was sitting next to her. When she completed her lecture, I took the mic and said…This was one version of the story, I have another version. Can you imagine the scene? Who dares to accommodate such a rebel? At a time when conformity is promoted as a virtue, Professor Rajan taught us what it means to have agency and how it is exercised.

On several occasions, she reprimanded me, but what I value the most she always engaged with me. I am sure, I am not the only one having this experience. Thousands of her students whom she taught during her lifetime may have a similar experience. I learned a very interesting way of asking students to introduce themselves…Your Geo-Political and Cultural Identity! This was amazing. When we saw students sharing it in the class…It immediately helped us connect on a person-to-person basis, ignoring the labels we carry.

She was quick in sharing the articles and also seeking opinions. I remember a time when Jamia was brought under the scanner some years ago, an alumna of Jamia wrote an article and criticized the lack of academic culture over there. I responded to her…My experience is different and I don’t agree with the writer. Her response will bring tears to the eyes of people who love Jamia. She wrote…

“The difference between central universities. … is a colonial university. Still is. … is elite university despite the deprivation index.  Jamia is aam aadmi university. Kahin se bhi hon. Lived experience matters. Elite students at Jamia have a problem with this. But even they cannot say they were discriminated.”

She further wrote to me

“I do however feel deeply how we at IASE have not been able to provide exposure to you all of the seminars and conferences..they have great value.. Whatever our choices of speakers”

On 21st April 2018 at 5 pm she wrote to me

“I don't know if you were there when I talked about history of ideas and how your ideas never die. There is no doubt that a lot of science emerged from ancient India. Science is not invention of the west”

You were right professor… “Your ideas never die”. Your idea of teaching…your idea of a university, your idea of a nation will never die. It is and it will remain in our hearts forever. It will keep reminding us what it takes for a professor to be so fierce and fearless. There was never a time as apt as it is when your ideas will resonate in the mind and hearts of your students.

With heavy heart, I bid adieu to you! You don’t die you become a part of all whom you have left behind. A part of you is in me and I will always cherish it.