#47 : Santosh Mahapatra On Navigating Life
I interviewed my professor or campus, and it was so good!
Hello, hope you are doing good. I am doing fine, especially because my 3rd year exams are done. I have 2 months in my hand. I am revamping my website, writing a few long blogs, reading about trauma, mental health, cancer biology, and figuring out my next steps to advance my career. It is very annoying to stammer when someone asks “what’s your plan”.
Today’s letter are notes from an interview I took of Santosh Mahapatra from the humanity department at BITS Hyderabad. Students are very fond of him because of how approachable he is, plus his lectures are worth attending.
I interviewed him nearly 3 months ago. My procrastination took over me like it always does, but it is finally here. Hope you like this.
Early Years
I grew up in rural Odisha and Bihar and was raised by grandparents. Village life was simple. The ghost stories terrified me. I excelled in our small school, but struggled when I moved to a more competitive one. Today I teach English, but in class 10 I scored 23/100.
Finding Direction
I drifted into Science for 11th and 12th, because it felt like the right thing to do. I wouldn’t say I was choked under pressure to pursue science, but there was no guidance in making that decision. It felt the only appropriate thing to do.
As a teenager, I cared only about playing, eating, and sleeping. Later, I ended up pursuing English, Psychology, and Statistics, the only program that accepted me. I completed my B.A. in English Honours and continued to an M.A.
I wrote many exams, including the exams for CBI, which did not go very well.
I needed a job, and had to earn money. Eventually I found out that I could teach English and earn money. So I aimed for that.
The Turning Point
Everything changed when I entered CIFL Hyderabad. I was shocked to discover that everyone (even the shopkeeper) spoke better English than me, despite my English master's degree.
I had to improve. I completely immersed myself in English. I watched English movies, listened to BBC radio, and spoke only English with friends from other states. In this process, I found my voice. But I completely ditched people who spoke Odia or Hindi.
My savings from tutoring and teaching, plus my M.Phil. stipend, kept me financially stable. When I failed to qualify for CIFL's Ph.D. program, I was crushed. But soon after, I topped Hyderabad University's Ph.D. entrance exam.
Academic Life
After completing my Ph.D. in 2014, I joined BITS as a faculty member. Teaching became my purpose, not just my profession. I regularly mentor students through casual conversations, supporting them within my limited capabilities whenever they approach me. Many maintain contact after graduation.
Life Lessons
This is not how the interview exactly went, but these are a few insightful things that come up during the conversation. Yeah, we spoke for like 2-3 hours. The dogs on campus love him, and they were all over me during the interview. I froze, because I am scared of dogs. They initially did not allow me to take my notes comfortably. Over the course of the interview, I became good friends with the dogs :)
On Hope and Ambition
Never lose hope. It is an infinite reservoir and you must draw a lot of it. Hope keeps us moving forward. Ambition drives progress and personal growth. Without it, we stagnate.
On Blame and Personal Responsibility
Avoid people who constantly blame others for their problems. They drain your energy and rarely improve. Taking responsibility for your own life is essential for growth.
On Adaptability
Every generation thinks they had it best. This rigid thinking leads nowhere. Growth requires adaptability. Being open to change prevents bitterness and stagnation.
On Relationships
Dating teaches you about yourself, not just potential partners. True compatibility shows during difficult times. Anyone can be charming when things go well, but character emerges during struggles.
A marker for long term companionships would be If you can enjoy long conversations with someone after 3-4 years of knowing them well. Such friendships and relationships tend to last longer, and nourish your soul.
On Addictions
Addictions become problematic when they disrupt daily functioning. Pornography, for example, isn't inherently moral or immoral, but becomes harmful when it causes social anxiety or impairs normal relationships.
It was never a moral question. Your moral code is yours alone. Don't impose it on others, and as long as your actions don't harm anyone, there's little reason to worry.
Legacy
We all leave a legacy. I've taught a few thousand students. Each of them carry something I've shared. So unknowingly, you are always building your legacy.
I aim to be useful through my research and teaching. I try to not impose my views on anyone. Everyone must determine their own right and wrong. In the end, you and only you must decide for yourself.
3 Favorite Quotes Of The Week :
The darkest place in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis.
We are addicted to worrying. Sometimes, to sit empty and bored is important and also harder than you think.
Sorry I really do not have a 3rd one. I am running late, and do not want to postpone this. But yeah, do more of what you love and be kind to people by deafult. Keep good health. Everything should unfold beautifully.
Bye bye, take care.
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