Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Remembering Dr. V. Sundararajan, sir



When I called him up yesterday morning on his cell, to invite him for some function, that soothing voice on the other end was no longer there. He had left all of us the very same morning. I am at loss of words.

To me Dr. Sundararajan was an 'un-official' mentor during my Ph.D. program. Although I had quite less academic overlap with him, he always used to help out in umpteen ways, particularly when it came to using the C-DAC facilities for our research work.
He almost always used to attend my Ph.D. progress presentations and had ready useful comments at the end of the session. After I had completed my thesis, he had asked me to give a presentation at C-DAC, which unfortunately never happened as I almost immediately went to ANU for post-doc.

Even when Dr. Sundararajan went into higher administrative roles at C-DAC he was always accessible to everyone who had an interest in doing interesting work with HPC and evolutionary algorithms. He also taught courses at my alma mater, and would indeed be a great loss as a teacher.

R.I.P. may god give his family strength and courage for the life ahead.

11 comments:

Vrushali Athalye said...

This is Vrushali. I am a proud group member of Dr. Sundar. Till this moment, I am almost speechless. I feel my brain has stopped functioning. If this can happen, then anything is possible in the world...
may GOD give us strength to digest this..........!!

Anonymous said...

I've known Dr. Sundararajan for close to four years now. My interactions with him were mostly related to Grid Garuda project. He was a very nice person, who would go out of his way to be of help to him. I'd seen him just the previous week. It came as a big shock when I heard about his demise. I frankly did not believe that it could be true. I was wondering just what manner of perverted individuals could start such a malicious rumor as there was no way such news could be anything other than a malicious rumor, but when I found out that the news was indeed true, I felt numbed. May his soul rest in peace and may God grant his family strength and succor to overcome their enormous loss.

Savi said...

Dr.Sundar, as u aptly said was accessible to everyone, there was never any hangups around him.No politics,a true scientist.Even though i am frm b'lore I had an opportunity to work with him on some GARUDA events. Truly a GEM OF A PERSON.It is shocking to think he is no more at such an young age!!!RIP

Unknown said...

I have known Dr Sundararajan as a family friend. I had visited Sundar's family a few times with my family at Pune. The striking thing that appeals to anybody meeting Dr. Sundar was the kind of ease and humble nature that he exhibited which is rare to see among the people of his level of achievements. It is disheartening to know that such a wonderful man and scholar is not among us now. His sudden demise like this leaves a lingering thought about the fragility of lives we live. I sincerely pray for the departed soul. My deepfelt condolences to Mrs Sundar. She is one lively person who can bring cheer effortlessly to anybody talking to her. Surely, she does not deserve this treatment by the God. The two children are gems. I am sure they will not miss their father's blessings at all the times in their future.

anu said...

I still remember the day he took my interview for CFD group.. he is one of the best persons i have ever meet in my life.. cant get any more words to write ..

Unknown said...

I have had this unique opportunity of knowing this noble man wile I was in Pune for a shortwhile. A great learned man, humble calm and composed, philosophical in life and deeds, always willing to guide and help. I knew him first as my childhood best friend's husband, later came to know more of him professionsally while I was teaching n Pune Univ. Heard a lot about his professional temper from those in univ and his philosophical and loving nature form his family. We are all unfortunate to have lost a great soul and to my desr friend I pray that the positive energy that he has transferred to her and family will keep her through and I am sure she will take up all her challenges with smile as he would have wanted her to. I am sure all the good he has been to other around him will take care of his family he cherished and loved. To his family members I just want to say that his grace will keep them going and I am sure you will all achieve all that is needed for the coming days with great strength as he will be watching you from above and blessing you.

Padmakar said...

This is really shocking news to me. Dr. Sundarajan will be in my prayer. He was guru and good friend of mine. We will miss our guide.
I first mate him during my Ph. D. program. We were working on Genetic Algorithm and Crystal Structure at Pune University, Physics Dept. We enjoyed full two years of hard work and very healthy cheerful years. I was especially impressed by his friendly and cooperative nature, soft spoken, down to earth. I never ever seen him mad at someone. I remember his glinting smile. Ohh man, it is very hard to accept the fact! He is not among us now.

-Padmakar Bhosale

Aniruddha Mookherjee said...

Sundar was an undeclared Mentor & GUide to many,& was only possible because of his humble nature without any reciprocating expectations.

It's more than a month now he has passed away , I still feel his absense.

May his soul rest in peace

Rajashree said...

I know him as a person who was always ready to help researchers in many possible ways. His sudden demise is a shock. RIP

Anonymous said...

I did one of my summer internships with Dr.Sundararajan. He was brilliant scholar of our country and a gentleman. He and his research will be sincerely missed.

Unknown said...

I had worked with Dr. Sundararajan for more than two years. I never has seen such a polite, soft, talented and charming personality in my life, His guidance was a diamond gift for me and my study.

Nitin Katakdound