The clock struck two, and the tension in the room was palpable. Our hearts raced, and some of us quietly prayed for a favorable outcome. I saw a few clasp their hands in silent pleas—“anyone but him,” they muttered under their breath. Even I closed my eyes, hoping for the same.
In under a minute, the door to our classroom swung open, and the panel of professors began filing in. The first professor entered, and we exhaled in relief—safe. The second entered, and we muttered grateful thanks. The third professor arrived, and a collective sigh of relief spread across the room. But then came the fifth and final professor, and the atmosphere shifted instantly. It was him: “GP,” the “virus” of our college, known for being relentlessly strict. A wave of dread washed over us. We knew we were in trouble.
The occasion? Our technical seminar—the start of a series of presentations that had turned into a nightmare for us and a source of amusement for our professors. I was the third presenter on the schedule, waiting nervously for my turn. The first presenter was thoroughly grilled; the second was bombarded with relentless questions. Then, GP called my name, a signal that I was next on the chopping block. His tone made it clear: “Be prepared.”
I made my way to the podium, which felt more like a battlefield than a platform. The countdown began. I started my presentation, trying to steady myself. To my surprise, it went smoothly. The room was attentive, and I had all eyes on me, including the professors. I braced for GP’s inevitable interruption, anticipating his barrage of questions. But it never came.
Thirty minutes passed, and I reached my final slide—“Questions.” Silence filled the room. I looked nervously at the professors, but none of them spoke. Concern crept in. What had I done wrong? Then I saw something unexpected: smiles. All five professors were smiling.
Breaking the silence, GP gave me a smile—a rare, genuine one—and said something I never imagined hearing: “Hats off to you, Namratha.” I was in shock. Did he really just say that? It was surreal. I looked to the other professors, and they simply nodded in agreement.
GP’s words are engraved in my memory. Receiving praise from someone you least expect it from is a feeling like no other. For me, it was a turning point—a much-needed boost to my confidence. Those words marked the moment I transformed from someone uncertain into someone self-assured.
Though GP is no longer with us, his impact on my life remains. I never got the chance to thank him, but I carry the memory of that day with deep gratitude.