Yesterday, a gunman went on a rampage and killed 33 people including himself. One of the deceased included
Dr. GV Loganathan, my Master's thesis advisor. The news has not sunk in yet. Suddenly, I am reminded of my M.S. days (1999-2001) at VT. Fondly called as GV by his friends and peers, his day would start at 7 AM and would end at almost 12. Sometimes, I would email him stuff at 2 AM and I would receive a reply in 15 minutes. He was an extremely intelligent person but his humility would fool the casual observer. He was an excellent teacher and advisor. More importantly, he really cared for his students. When my regular source of financial funding dried out, he went out of his way to secure additional funding sources. I have heard of similar stories from other ex-Loganathanites. He had bookshelves full of books and was always looking to pass them on. I had met him last in 2003. He had emailed me recently congratulating me on my marriage.
Until this morning, I did not know that the V in his name stands for Vasudevan. I did not know the names of his two daughters. I knew nothing about his family in India. I did not know that he joked about being buried in VT grounds. I wish I did not know these things.
Suddenly the web is abuzz with analysis and opinions. I am all for constructive analysis. What are the circumstances that would alienate someone and fill them with hatred ? Should ownership laws of lethal fireams be revised ? However, let us not respond to hatred with more hatred.
My very first class under him was Advanced Hydrology. Yesterday, he died teaching that class. I learnt a lot from him personally and professionally. I will cherish those memories for the rest of my life.
Words are inadequate.
Hatred is wasteful.
A good teacher lives forever.
May his soul rest in peace. My prayers are with the families and friends of the victims.
