Bhu

Nattusbs · Mar 8th, 2007, 21:32

Hi all

I have been reading quite a few posts about the filthy conditions in Varanasi. I think I have described my background and my desire to return to India in the academic field.

Well, I have been short-listed for a professor position (materials science & engineering)at BHU - the interview is tomorrow (Friday the 9th)and I will be considered in-absentia. I am excited about this, as I have somewhat of a link with BHU. My dad and mom met while doing their MSc & Ph.D. in Chemistry at BHU !

Any thoughts will be welcome. How is the BHU campus?

Cheers

Nattusbs

phantom · Mar 8th, 2007, 21:53

BHU Campus is one of the most beautiful closed gate communities in india. The campus is beautifully laid out with restricted entry. You can find almost 80 yrs old architecture in the buildings. Huge lush green grounds, (not manicured though

) Huge hostel buildings. Huge, mango trees lining the beautifully clean road. In fact the first time I entered the gates, I was completely bowled over by its sheer magnitude and greenery. The preferred mode of transport inside the campus is bicycle and you will need it as your hostel/room might be 2-5 kms away from your classes.

The only problem with BHU is its location. There is absolutely nothing to do in varanasi except study or sit on the ghats and brood over matters beyond life and death. If you can live with that.. then you'll love the atmosphere.

Nattusbs · Mar 8th, 2007, 22:00

Phantom

That is re-assuring and exactly what I am looking for to conduct my research with graduate students/post Docs and teaching. I want to set up a modern lab in Nanotechnology.

Cheers

Nattusbs

Banarasi at heart · Mar 8th, 2007, 22:19

BHU is a place where I spent my greatest years. Some highlights of the campus and some things particularly relevant to Material science:

- As <Phantom> said, it is very beautiful with a LOT of mango and tamarind trees. I remember spending a lot of time getting the mangos when I was there.
- The BHU central library is very big and nice. I think the BHU library system is the largest in India. If you are in material science, you would be regularly visitin g at least 3 libraries - IT Main library, the departmental library and the Central library
-Excellent gym (free for students and faculty)
-The BHU temple made out of marble is about 10 minutes walk from the Material Science Dept. and the central library overlooks that.
- Although varanasi is an old city and entertainment options may be limited, it has its own charm. You may find renowned musicians performing in the ghats in the morning of winter (I may be wrong as it may have been one-off incidents when I was there). Remember, many Indian music greats are from Varanasi (Bismillah Khan, Allah rakha, Ravi Shankar, HariPrasad Chaurasia). BHU had, in my time, a very active SPIC - Macay organization and arranged many concerts. If they are still active, it would be great.
- BHU has its own very good museum of arts (Bharat Kala Bhavan). If you are interested in ancient art/archeology etc., it is the place to go.
- As BHU is quite large by Asian standards, there are lot of departments. So if you are interested in learning some musical instrument, you could do diploma courses free in the performing arts dept.

I can go on and on.... In general, BHU life is better than life anywhere else in India (Especially for a student

).

If there are any specific interests, you may want to check the internet. There are photos, but you have to look for them. e.g.; try this link:

http://www.ece.uwaterloo.ca/~n2mohan/banaras.htm

The last 2 photos are from BHU.

Nattusbs · Mar 8th, 2007, 22:44

Guys

If I am selected, I am going as a Professor (I am already in my mid 40's!) - I got my Ph.D. in materials science & engineering (the department I am being considered in is the metallurgical engineering previously known as metallurgy) in 1989. The campus sounds very interesting - one probably can get everything there. I am looking to live a simple lifestyle with modern gadgetry - no contradiction there.

I am aware of the musical scene at BHU a little bit, apparently, my Dad used to give Sitar recitals when he was a student there!!!!

Cheers

Nattusbs

Banarasi at heart · Mar 8th, 2007, 22:52

Well!! If there is one best dept. (academically) in BHU, it is Metatllurgy! If I recall, it had one of the three electron microscopes in India. It is a govt. designated center for advanced study. If I remember Shri Lele was the most renowned professor of the lot. It has been quite a while since I was there but I do not think modern gadgetry would be an issue.

Of course, I do not know about petty politics (I am sure there would be) within Metallurgy but I guess, academicians and politics go hand in hand especially when philosophies regarding teaching and research differ.

If this is a long term move you may consider visiting the campus before you decide. I also have a feeling that your parents would know the places a lot better.

Nattusbs · Mar 9th, 2007, 04:02

Guys

I have been in North America since 1981 and have Canadian & US citizenship. I want to go back and one of the reasons is that I have always wanted to be a Professor but, it is difficult in the US as my experience has been in industrial R&D. Secondly, I want to spend time with my parents since they have no one else. A further motivation is that I want a more relaxed (will have bureacracy though) life style after the rat-race, want to mentor and guide students.

Cheers

Nattusbs

phantom · Mar 9th, 2007, 10:22

These are great thoughts Nattusbs. If only more people could think like you... !! You will find a lot of motivation once you start. If you are teaching engineering graduates then you must be in BHU-IT. Now BHU-IT as you may know, is one of the premier engineering college in india (almost on par with IITs). So i guess, teaching the cream of indian brains will not be that difficult. I just hope that you could inculcate the western teaching methods into the curriculum over there.

You will meet quite a few professors over there who have taken early retirement from various industries and started teaching. Hope you will have a great time. If you have any other queries, you can always ask here.

rahulcal · Mar 9th, 2007, 10:48

Let me begin with some clarification -

a. Banaras and BHU are distinct - BHU is a city within a city and quite self sufficient. It has almost everything for its need - including a dairy farm and once upon a time - a power generating station and an airfield.

b. IT BHU and BHU are again slightly distinct from each other in terms of workings , culture etc.BHU is slightly more traditional , political etc. IT BHU is very different, quite cutting edge and cosmopolitan.

IT BHU is one of the better engineering colleges in India. the place and the systems there are world class and so is the faculty /student body . The students are selected through the IIT system so no compromises there . The Profs too are quite competent and most of them very well integrated with the international trends and community.

One thing i would like to clarify here - BHU and IT BHU have a slightly different relationship - IT ,BHU because of its IIT connect is more or less automomous at least in its day to day funcioning.

So work wise I don't think it would be very difficult if ou do make some minor allowances -this being India.

In terms of life on the campus and Banaras.

Imagine a house ( built in 1930's) with enough land to grow your own crops :-) . Not very well maintained though.

Imagine a couple of servants who are around to take care of your garden and the house.

Imagine a house in a colony where the total traffic on the road in a DAY is around 100 pax - morning to evening.

Imagine a place where your house and yuour faculty are 10 mins by scooter or a bicycle.

Banaras as a city has a lot happening all the time - just have to find what interests you . If Indian culture and histroy is something you like well enough and more opportunities there.

BHU itself has a lot happening all the time - from an annual flower show to some faculty or the other fest to youth festivals , seminars and what have you... the libraries as some one said are awesome - the first time I entered the central libarary the first thought was -is this real ?

In the final analysis , the city may be a bit of a shock but if you do want to come back to India IT BHU can probably offer you far more in terms of quality of life than any other place. Your parents would definitely love it given its temples etc etc. if they are so inclined.

Sorry for the longish note but what you are planning to do is something which I dream about every day so ...:-)

Cheers

Rahul

PS I am a 3rd gen alumnus of the Uni , with some 4 members of the extended family a part of the academic staff there including one at IT so I mostly know what it is like.

Mar 8th, 2007, 21:32	#1
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 356	Bhu Hi all I have been reading quite a few posts about the filthy conditions in Varanasi. I think I have described my background and my desire to return to India in the academic field. Well, I have been short-listed for a professor position (materials science & engineering)at BHU - the interview is tomorrow (Friday the 9th)and I will be considered in-absentia. I am excited about this, as I have somewhat of a link with BHU. My dad and mom met while doing their MSc & Ph.D. in Chemistry at BHU ! Any thoughts will be welcome. How is the BHU campus? Cheers Nattusbs

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Mar 8th, 2007, 21:53	#2
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,214	BHU Campus is one of the most beautiful closed gate communities in india. The campus is beautifully laid out with restricted entry. You can find almost 80 yrs old architecture in the buildings. Huge lush green grounds, (not manicured though ) Huge hostel buildings. Huge, mango trees lining the beautifully clean road. In fact the first time I entered the gates, I was completely bowled over by its sheer magnitude and greenery. The preferred mode of transport inside the campus is bicycle and you will need it as your hostel/room might be 2-5 kms away from your classes. The only problem with BHU is its location. There is absolutely nothing to do in varanasi except study or sit on the ghats and brood over matters beyond life and death. If you can live with that.. then you'll love the atmosphere.

Mar 8th, 2007, 22:00	#3
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 356	Phantom That is re-assuring and exactly what I am looking for to conduct my research with graduate students/post Docs and teaching. I want to set up a modern lab in Nanotechnology. Cheers Nattusbs

Mar 8th, 2007, 22:19	#4
Banarasi at heart pop ko jala ke rock kar doonga Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 133	BHU is a place where I spent my greatest years. Some highlights of the campus and some things particularly relevant to Material science: - As <Phantom> said, it is very beautiful with a LOT of mango and tamarind trees. I remember spending a lot of time getting the mangos when I was there. - The BHU central library is very big and nice. I think the BHU library system is the largest in India. If you are in material science, you would be regularly visitin g at least 3 libraries - IT Main library, the departmental library and the Central library -Excellent gym (free for students and faculty) -The BHU temple made out of marble is about 10 minutes walk from the Material Science Dept. and the central library overlooks that. - Although varanasi is an old city and entertainment options may be limited, it has its own charm. You may find renowned musicians performing in the ghats in the morning of winter (I may be wrong as it may have been one-off incidents when I was there). Remember, many Indian music greats are from Varanasi (Bismillah Khan, Allah rakha, Ravi Shankar, HariPrasad Chaurasia). BHU had, in my time, a very active SPIC - Macay organization and arranged many concerts. If they are still active, it would be great. - BHU has its own very good museum of arts (Bharat Kala Bhavan). If you are interested in ancient art/archeology etc., it is the place to go. - As BHU is quite large by Asian standards, there are lot of departments. So if you are interested in learning some musical instrument, you could do diploma courses free in the performing arts dept. I can go on and on.... In general, BHU life is better than life anywhere else in India (Especially for a student ). If there are any specific interests, you may want to check the internet. There are photos, but you have to look for them. e.g.; try this link: http://www.ece.uwaterloo.ca/~n2mohan/banaras.htm The last 2 photos are from BHU.

Mar 8th, 2007, 22:44	#5
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 356	Guys If I am selected, I am going as a Professor (I am already in my mid 40's!) - I got my Ph.D. in materials science & engineering (the department I am being considered in is the metallurgical engineering previously known as metallurgy) in 1989. The campus sounds very interesting - one probably can get everything there. I am looking to live a simple lifestyle with modern gadgetry - no contradiction there. I am aware of the musical scene at BHU a little bit, apparently, my Dad used to give Sitar recitals when he was a student there!!!! Cheers Nattusbs

Mar 8th, 2007, 22:52	#6
Banarasi at heart pop ko jala ke rock kar doonga Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Lawrence, Kansas Posts: 133	Well!! If there is one best dept. (academically) in BHU, it is Metatllurgy! If I recall, it had one of the three electron microscopes in India. It is a govt. designated center for advanced study. If I remember Shri Lele was the most renowned professor of the lot. It has been quite a while since I was there but I do not think modern gadgetry would be an issue. Of course, I do not know about petty politics (I am sure there would be) within Metallurgy but I guess, academicians and politics go hand in hand especially when philosophies regarding teaching and research differ. If this is a long term move you may consider visiting the campus before you decide. I also have a feeling that your parents would know the places a lot better.

Mar 9th, 2007, 04:02	#7
Nattusbs Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Costa Mesa Posts: 356	Guys I have been in North America since 1981 and have Canadian & US citizenship. I want to go back and one of the reasons is that I have always wanted to be a Professor but, it is difficult in the US as my experience has been in industrial R&D. Secondly, I want to spend time with my parents since they have no one else. A further motivation is that I want a more relaxed (will have bureacracy though) life style after the rat-race, want to mentor and guide students. Cheers Nattusbs

Mar 9th, 2007, 10:22	#8
phantom Maha Guru Member Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Delhi Posts: 1,214	These are great thoughts Nattusbs. If only more people could think like you... !! You will find a lot of motivation once you start. If you are teaching engineering graduates then you must be in BHU-IT. Now BHU-IT as you may know, is one of the premier engineering college in india (almost on par with IITs). So i guess, teaching the cream of indian brains will not be that difficult. I just hope that you could inculcate the western teaching methods into the curriculum over there. You will meet quite a few professors over there who have taken early retirement from various industries and started teaching. Hope you will have a great time. If you have any other queries, you can always ask here.

Mar 9th, 2007, 10:48	#9
rahulcal If all else fails... Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Mumbai India Posts: 40	Let me begin with some clarification - a. Banaras and BHU are distinct - BHU is a city within a city and quite self sufficient. It has almost everything for its need - including a dairy farm and once upon a time - a power generating station and an airfield. b. IT BHU and BHU are again slightly distinct from each other in terms of workings , culture etc.BHU is slightly more traditional , political etc. IT BHU is very different, quite cutting edge and cosmopolitan. IT BHU is one of the better engineering colleges in India. the place and the systems there are world class and so is the faculty /student body . The students are selected through the IIT system so no compromises there . The Profs too are quite competent and most of them very well integrated with the international trends and community. One thing i would like to clarify here - BHU and IT BHU have a slightly different relationship - IT ,BHU because of its IIT connect is more or less automomous at least in its day to day funcioning. So work wise I don't think it would be very difficult if ou do make some minor allowances -this being India. In terms of life on the campus and Banaras. Imagine a house ( built in 1930's) with enough land to grow your own crops :-) . Not very well maintained though. Imagine a couple of servants who are around to take care of your garden and the house. Imagine a house in a colony where the total traffic on the road in a DAY is around 100 pax - morning to evening. Imagine a place where your house and yuour faculty are 10 mins by scooter or a bicycle. Banaras as a city has a lot happening all the time - just have to find what interests you . If Indian culture and histroy is something you like well enough and more opportunities there. BHU itself has a lot happening all the time - from an annual flower show to some faculty or the other fest to youth festivals , seminars and what have you... the libraries as some one said are awesome - the first time I entered the central libarary the first thought was -is this real ? In the final analysis , the city may be a bit of a shock but if you do want to come back to India IT BHU can probably offer you far more in terms of quality of life than any other place. Your parents would definitely love it given its temples etc etc. if they are so inclined. Sorry for the longish note but what you are planning to do is something which I dream about every day so ...:-) Cheers Rahul PS I am a 3rd gen alumnus of the Uni , with some 4 members of the extended family a part of the academic staff there including one at IT so I mostly know what it is like.

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