Dr. Madhulika Panda: A Letter to My College English Professor

Search for a command to run...

No comments yet. Be the first to comment.
It's a heartfelt series that pays tribute to the educators who have profoundly impacted my life, be it in classroom or outside. Each letter reflects on the memories, lessons, and wisdom imparted by these mentors.
In the year 2009, I entered into Class 8 in Balasore Zilla School, a Government school in Odisha. That’s where I met Mr. Gopal Chandra Nayak, a brilliant teacher in English, who turned my life around in the next 3 years. Till that point, I sucked at ...
The following is an anonymous account shared by a close friend who chose to put her deeply personal reflections into words. It is an honest observation of her ongoing struggle with overthinking, the c

Namita was working at a company in Bhubaneswar. She was earning around ₹15,000 a month, and life felt somewhat stable. But suddenly, things started changing. The company’s sales went down, work got pa

I was enjoying my plate of papdi chaat with Vinod when a tall, young man—perhaps in his late twenties—approached us with a noticeably pale and uneasy expression. From the very first glance, something about his face struck me as unusual. With a nervou...

In this journey of building a business, we have experienced a full spectrum of emotions & a journey of self transformation. I believe that's true for most people walking this path. To execute one project, it brings many hands together, both inside an...

Our company, Movsta, is incubated at CTEF: INNOVEX, a newly established incubation center under CIPET in Bhubaneswar since 2022. Over the past three years, our journey has been filled with diverse experiences, but one constant has been the unwavering...

In 2012-2014, I had taken +2 Science courseworks in College of Basic Science and Humanities, Bhubaneswar.
During that phase, I had met Dr. Madhulika Panda, a benevolent Professor, spearheading the English Department of the institution. I had taken two papers under her supervision.
3 Years after coming out of the institution, in August 2017, when I was a 2nd year Engineering student at SUIIT Burla, I had sent her this letter below:
With all love & respect, I wish you a Happy Teachers' Day.
You’re one of the rarest personalities in my life, who has left a long lasting time tested impression on me.
I had secured a second division grade in the 12th Board exam, though my performances in English papers were always rock solid.
Thus, when I recall the Basic Science Days with some fondness, the credit goes solely to you! I always carry those learnings with me for being a student in two of your courses such as: English & Alternative English.

If you could recall, I had met you last November in 2016 with Shubhranshu, another batchmate & had clicked a selfie as well in your chamber. I’ve kept those memories very close to my heart!
When I became aware of that teachers’ day is around, few days back, I thought of reaching you out by any means and say you thanks for your impact in my life. So, I chose this traditional method of letter writing as it still carries the value which Emails & WhatsApp don’t have!
Currently, I’m pursuing my Engineering studies in the 2nd year of Computer Science in Sambalpur University Institute of Information Technology (SUIIT), Burla. And, I’m looking towards making something in my life, instead of settling for a job in an MNC. So, I’d always need your blessings, love & care to get ahead.
All my happiness and progress in life belongs to you. I’m thankful at you & really love you a lot.❤️

I’m looking towards meeting you someday again, whenever you’re available and seek your blessings. Thank you, Madam!
You’re Unique!
I won’t ever get a teacher like you ever again!!
Thank you!
With Respect,
Sourav
She called me back after the letter was delivered. I clearly remember, I was taking my lectures in a coaching class and came out to pick the call. Here's below a transcript of that:
Madam: Hi Sourav! Thank you for the letter! It’s a unique way of wishing teachers’ day. I wish Happy teachers’ day to you as well.
Sourav: Thank you! Did you receive it today?
Madam: Yeaah, around 1.30 PM. I was at college. Thank you, so much! So, what’s going on, Sourav?

Sourav: I’m in B. Tech 2nd year now. I had met you in the last November.
Madam: Is it VSSUT, Burla where you’re studying?
Sourav: No, It’s Sambalpur University, Jyoti Vihar.
Madam: Are they offering BTech courses as well?
Sourav: Yes! Yes! I'm in second year of Computer Science.
Madam: What is the strength of the class?
Sourav: It’s 60 in CS.
Madam: How about the placements?
Sourav: It’s fine. Only been 7-8 years in operation. So they are growing.
Sourav: So, how are you madam?
Madam: I’m fine.
Sourav: Okay, thank you.
(Call Ends)