30/01/2024
We are back for the good! ❤️
We have our beloved Sabyasachi Sengupta Sir aka Sengo Sir!
"Teaching is not just a profession for me; it's a calling that stems from my struggles. Because of initial financial instability, I started teaching at the age of 12 years. This 45+ years of teaching has made connecting to this vibrant XL student community easier over the years".
I was born in the vibrant city of Kolkata in 1966. I embarked on a journey filled with trials and triumphs. At the age of one, I faced the loss of my father, but the unwavering support of my mother and elder brother became the foundation of my resilience. Though my professional experience started in 1987, I completed my CA and costing in 1990. Those early practicing days were the breeding ground for examples that would later find a place in my XLRI classroom. 1994 brought a new chapter as I joined Tata Steel and simultaneously pursued my CS, which I successfully completed in 1997. In 1996, I visited XLRI for the first time as a visiting faculty member. Later, in 1998, I became a permanent faculty.
Over the years, I've become synonymous with teaching at XLRI. I have taught all 4 core courses here at XLRI: MANAC 1, MANAC 2, FM 1, and FM 2. Teaching is not just a profession for me; it's a calling that stems from personal struggles. Financial challenges in my early years pushed me to start teaching at the age of 12, and today, with 45 years of teaching experience, connecting with high-quality students at XLRI is a joy that has only grown over time. Today, I am 57 years old, and I will be turning 58 in June. All these years of teaching have allowed me to connect with students no matter what age group they are from. In fact, when I joined XLRI, students were practically my age only. Even in those days, I found it absolutely beautiful to connect with them. Now, you guys are in my daughter's age group. Even now, I find it absolutely brilliant to interact with all of you.
XLRI allows me to shape my teaching methods, and my interaction with students has been a source of immense satisfaction for the past 27 years. I share a unique bond with my students—a blend of love and hate. While I've never harbored any dislike for a single student, the challenges of hatred arise during evaluations and grading. Yet, this is an integral part of my role. I hold XLRI students in high regard, and that's precisely why I design exams to be consistently challenging. Embracing a fair share of twists, I am committed to maintaining the same high standards across all batches. Picture this: five years from now, if one of your juniors informs you that 40% of students scored A+ in Sengo's paper, you'd surely faint.
All my question ideas are sourced from various references, but I take the creativity into my own hands when crafting questions. No student will stumble upon these questions in any textbook because I've meticulously curated a vast question bank over the years. Naming my questions has been a tradition since the beginning, inspired by the creative approach of a comic called Asterix, where names reflect the essence of characters. Another Bengali author also influenced me in this regard. The names add a personal touch and serve as a guide, allowing students to better understand the nature of the question, for instance, SCORING OPPORTUNITY PRIVATE LIMITED. The vibrant colors in my Excel sheets draw inspiration from my time at Tata Steel, where my boss's choices left a lasting impact. These eye-catching colors aim to grab attention and make the learning experience more engaging. The unique font size I use has become a trademark of sorts. I once created a schedule for a carrom tournament, and the students quickly recognized the font size, adding a touch of familiarity to the classroom environment.
I find immense joy in playing carrom. Football captivates my heart; it's not just a sport to me but a true love. Additionally, I have a deep appreciation for good food and delightful drinks and a steadfast loyalty to Navy Cut. My journey with Navy Cut began without regard for its price, and this loyalty has remained unwavering. But football remains my first love; if a football tournament were going on, I would have rescheduled your sessions; such is my passion for the sport. I'm an ardent fan of Diego Maradona, pledging my allegiance to Argentina in a manner that goes beyond reason. Beyond football, I also indulge in various sports like chess, cricket, and badminton. While I excelled in cricket and badminton, my football skills could have been more noteworthy. Despite the hindrance of bifocal specs, I occasionally revisit cricket, reminiscing the days I played as an opening wicket-keeper batsman.
I am very fond of dogs. Growing up, I shared my days with a delightful canine named John. I am fond of German Shepherds, drawn to their remarkable adaptability—making them transform into anything you desire. Tufaan, my current dog, despite being of the German Shepherd breed, has effortlessly embraced the role of a lap dog, illustrating his versatile nature. Tufaan has a story inspired by a comic called Fantom. In its Bengali version, there's a horse named Tufaan, and it felt only fitting to name my loyal canine after this spirited character. Tufaan has gracefully entered his senior year, turning a remarkable 13 in March. While his breed typically enjoys a maximum lifespan of 12 years, Tufaan is now on bonus time. According to the vet, he's expected to cherish life for at least one more precious year.
I find immense joy in being a devoted enthusiast of "The Big Bang Theory." I referenced the show during a discussion, particularly when someone was making outlandish guesses—reminiscent of the unique humor only Sheldon Cooper could provide. My love for sitcoms extends to "Friends," and I also have a deep appreciation for series like "Different Strokes" and "Lucy." In a departure from lighthearted content, I wholeheartedly recommend watching "Tamas," a series delving into the serious tone of the 1947 riots. It carries a powerful message encapsulated in the quote, "Those who forget history are condemned to repeat it." The series, available on YouTube and spanning about 8 hours, serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of acknowledging our shared past. While my preference generally leans towards comedy series, I harbor a profound love for historical movies and documentaries, often indulging in a cinematic journey through Netflix. I'm particularly drawn to movies entwining courtroom drama with a hint of mystery. Recently, I had the pleasure of watching "Oppenheimer" in theaters, and it left a lasting impression with its compelling storytelling. These shows and movies bring warmth and joy to my leisure time, creating a perfect blend of entertainment and reflection.
To all my excellent students, here's a heartfelt message: In seven years, you'll be thriving in your respective lives. When that time comes, consider contacting the faculty in your field and requesting an interactive session with current students. This holds two beautiful advantages: firstly, returning to campus as an alum will bring joy to current students, creating a positive atmosphere. Secondly, it adds a valuable touch to your CV. While expertise in your field may take a few more years to fully develop, this opportunity lets you relive the special moments in IC. Embracing the warmth of your success, I must admit, fitting into my structured plans may pose a challenge, but the prospect of your return will always be a heartwarming delight.
I ABSOLUTELY ABSOLUTELY LOVE YOU ALL!