A Heartfelt Tribute to Professor GRK Gupta, Our Thermodynamics Guide at NIT Warangal

Introduction

At NIT Warangal, some professors leave an impact far beyond the classroom, inspiring students with their knowledge, kindness, and dedication. One such person is Professor GRK Gupta, our incredible thermodynamics teacher, whose wisdom and warmth have shaped not just our understanding of the subject but also our personal growth. As we bid him farewell on the occasion of his retirement, we wanted to reflect on the unforgettable journey we shared with him and express our heartfelt gratitude for all that he has done for us.

Making Thermodynamics a Joy to Learn

Thermodynamics, a subject notorious for its complexity, became one of the most engaging and approachable topics, thanks to Professor Gupta's teaching methods. With the aid of animations and well-structured PowerPoint presentations, he made even the most challenging concepts easy to understand. Every lecture felt like an interactive experience, filled with curiosity and clarity, rather than stress or confusion.

His teaching style was a perfect blend of knowledge and creativity, keeping us engaged from start to finish. Instead of merely focusing on equations and theories, he ensured that we grasped the underlying principles—turning each class into an opportunity for discovery.

A Personal Touch Beyond the Curriculum

What set Professor Gupta apart was not just his mastery of the subject but his deep care for students. He concluded each lecture with a moral story or inspirational anecdote, instilling in us life lessons alongside academic knowledge. His thoughtful habit of sharing the birthdays of famous individuals in every class kept us connected to the achievements of notable figures across history.

He also made it a point to remember students’ birthdays and surprised us with small gifts. For instance, I received a puzzle from him, which I thoroughly enjoyed solving. These simple gestures reflected his commitment to building genuine connections with his students. And let’s not forget the toffees he handed out for correct answers and on the final day of class—small delights that made the learning environment both joyful and motivating.

A Relaxed and Supportive Learning Environment

Professor Gupta was a firm believer in reducing stress and promoting learning through positivity. His liberal grading policy was a testament to his generosity, often giving us better grades than we anticipated, making us feel valued for our efforts. Moreover, his flexible attendance rules gave us the freedom to focus on learning without the added pressure of strict regulations.

As a result, the classroom felt like a space for genuine exploration rather than mere performance, allowing us to focus on understanding thermodynamics without fear of grades or attendance penalties.

A Grateful Farewell Before Retirement

Our batch holds the distinct honor of being the last to learn from Professor Gupta before he embarks on his well-deserved retirement. We feel incredibly fortunate to have benefited from his wisdom, humility, and compassion during his tenure at NIT Warangal. He was not just a professor but a mentor and role model who demonstrated that great teaching extends beyond the syllabus.

His influence will stay with us long after he leaves the campus, and the lessons we learned—both academic and personal—will continue to shape us in the years to come.

Conclusion and Best Wishes

On behalf of all the students who had the privilege of being taught by him, we extend our deepest gratitude to Professor Gupta. Thank you for making thermodynamics a subject we eagerly anticipated, and for being a professor whose generosity, kindness, and wisdom we will always cherish. We wish you a joyful retirement and success in all your future endeavors. Though your time at NIT Warangal may be ending, your legacy will remain with us forever.