My Reminiscences of MLD College

I had an ardent desire to be a teacher. Hence, while I was an earner cum learner doing my post-graduation in Commerce, I had set a goal to become a professor. Soon after obtaining M. Com. Degree, I got an opportunity to join M.L.D.College in 1963. On the day I was called for formal interview, I was unwell and could not appear before the selection committee on the appointed day. A week later, I was pleasantly surprised to know from Principal Limaye that keeping in mind my academic qualifications and interest in working as a professor he had discussed the matter with the committee and I could join the college. Based on his personal experience he advised me to start the work as a tutor so that my grounding would be very sound and solid. I accepted his sincere advice and that marked the beginning of our long friendly relationship. Being a past student of Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, the parent institute of MLD, it was a moment of pride for me to work in MLD and repay, in that my grounding would be very sound and solid. I accepted his sincere advice and that marked the beginning of our long friendly relationship. Being a past student of Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, the parent institute of MLD, it was a moment of pride for me to work in MLD and repay, in part, a debt I owe to my alma mater.

I taught at MLD from 1963 to 1976 and rose to the position of Prof-in-Charge of Morning classes. I was also a faculty member at the Dahanukar Institute of Management for a few years. During this period I did additional B. Com and M. Com. in Banking and Finance and later in 1976 also obtaining Doctoral Degree in Commerce under the able guidance of Principal Limaye. I am very proud of the fact that I was the first student to get Ph. D. Degree under him at MLD. It was his vision that prompted me to undertake research work for the doctoral degree and that eventually unfolded before me an opportunity to join in 1976 ICICI, an outstanding development bank as a senior executive.

While at ICICI I got an excellent exposure to practical aspects of Business and Finance and helped enrich my knowledge in the field. I retired from ICICI as General Manager, IIRD in 1998 and since then have been conducting Leadership Management Programme for reputed organizations as also engaged in social and cultural activities.

As I look back, I realise that my success in life has been based on the solid foundation provided by MLD wherein I studied the fundamentals of Business Management and Finance and sharpened the skills in the areas of organization, presentation, time management, interpersonal relationship, public speaking etc. I firmly believe that an effective teacher can take up any challenging assignment in life in view of his / her multifaceted personality and become a successful leader. Principal Limaye was my true friend, philosopher and guide. Even after leaving the college, we continued to meet each other and share our moments of happiness and sorrow. He had tremendous faith in my capacity and treated me with respect. In fact the whole environment at MLD was that of a joint family with Principal Limaye playing the role of ‘Karta’. He looked after all and protected the week by helping them to improve their qualifications and giving them additional assignments and need-based support.

A word about the Managing Committee would also be appropriate at this stage. As part of Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, I was given the opportunity to work as Joint Secretary in the year 1971 – 72 and my performance was highly appreciated. Further while leaving the college in 1976 I desired to have a lien on service as a shield in case I would not be comfortable working in ICICI. The response from the managing committee was very positive saying that no lien was necessary and I could walk in any time if I so wish. I must say that their assurance was recognition of my service at MLD and I always remained grateful to them.

I vividly recollect several events during my association of around 14 years with MLD as a Professor of Commerce. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of MLD I think it appropriate to share some of the memorable events.

As a lecturer, Principal Limaye asked me to teach Economic and Commercial Geography to first year students as no specialized teacher in that subject was available. Though students enjoyed my lectures, I had a lot of difficulties since I had studied in Marathi medium high school and was not familiar with English equivalent words. I had to do in-depth preparation for my lectures including mainly spellings of geographical terms and that enabled me to meet fully the requirements of students who tell me even today how nicely I taught them the subject. But I only know the ordeal through which I went at that stage. I got married in August 1969. A few days prior to the marriage, some students managed to get a copy of the invitation card and copied it on the black board just before I was to enter the class for my lecture on Organization of Commerce. There was a pin drop silence when I entered the class. I was amused to see the full invitation card written on the board and thanked the student who would have done the job on my behalf and quietly said that I presume you would have noted the details of the event and with your best wishes I would like to proceed with day’s work. They appreciated my sportsmanship and gave a big hand.

Once, at 06:40 am I was as usual delivering my lecture on the second floor of the college. With early morning breeze in the class, one of the students was napping. I immediately spotted him and remarked that my mother used to sing a song to make me sleep. However, some of my students are oscillating

with my lecture, is it an exceptional achievement to my credit? Well, though an achievement, I am afraid it is in the wrong direction. The entire class burst in to laughter. I used to boldly say in the class that I would never ask a student to go out of my class. On the day I would be required to do it, I would myself leave the class as having failed to perform my duty. With this kind of commitment, my students always respected me. In fact, I must say that one should never demand respect but command it with right attitude and behavior.

Recently we watched the cricket world cup matches on TV. But prior to introduction of TV we used to listen to commentary on radio. I recollect that while I was lecturing in the class a running commentary of the final cricket match between India and England could be heard. Every time the ball crossed the boundary or the bowler got a wicket, there was commotion and a lot of noise with resultant disturbance to us. Under the circumstances, I told students that instead of continuing my lecture on the topic I would share with them some ideas about their future career and opportunities. I impressed upon the need to set right goals to become a professional such as Chartered Accountant, Company Secretary, Cost Accountant, Mangement Graduate, IAS Officer etc. and explained to them how they could achieve their goals. Some students who were motivated with my thoughts decided over a cup of tea to follow my advice. Most of them achieved their respective goals and told me later how they were indebted to me for my contribution in shaping and building their career.

While one can go on narrating many such interesting events, let me close this small write up. On the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of MLD, I take this opportunity to wish continued progress of the college and hope that it would acquire the status of an outstanding institution in the academic world. Also I give my best wishes to the members of the MLD Alumni Association for the bridge they are providing between the past students and the collegel.

- Dr. P. H. Vaidya

Ex - Professor