Prof. Dabke retired last month and here I am to share my experience about my association with him in last few years. I am very lucky that I had a chance to be his student at PG as well as PhD level. In between these two phases I have always bothered him with number of queries related to Thermodynamics, Excel, Modeling and Simulations and many other courses.
I still remember my M.E., Thermodynamic classes where in I really learnt what Thermodynamics is all about and how can one teach it in its most beautiful way. It was Prof. Dabke who made us fond of the subject through his teaching. Apart from teaching thermodynamics he taught so many things through his innovative ways. Say it to be tutorials to be done on Excel or the assignments of thermodynamics which requires you to go to library. In class room he always used to ask questions rather than just teaching. He would pause and askes us to answer those questions. Sometimes even inviting us to discuss that on the board. All such things made his teaching very interesting.
I was lucky to have my dissertation work under him. During my association for dissertation work he was very supportive. I had learnt so many things from him. If you have any problem and you go to him he will ask you questions in such a way that while you answer them you get the solution. Many a times it has happened that just by seating in front of him only gave the solution of the problem. I have never seen him taking any question very lightly. My work was on computational aspect using MATLAB and I remember him coming with me at my computer and asking very minute details which I would never have thought of. But, if you answer them you learn that his perspective is so different. His way of interpreting the results and converting that in the sentences is really unique.
Apart from Thermodynamics his knowledge on Excel is immense. Many a times I would have called him for the solution of problem I am facing and he would just answer the question step by step over the telephone. He was really a mobile excel help for me.
During my PhD work he has been a rock solid support to me. His suggestions have made my thesis more valuable. Continuously for more than four years we worked on a Equations of state and his guidance mad a remarkable difference in my work.
Today whatever I am at professional level is only because of him. He has been my mentor in real sense. Whenever I came across any problem I seek his help and he has really get me out of that virtually every time. Apart from being a good academician Dabke sir is a very good human being. I have seen very few people in this world who can match his calmness. You feel a great sense of peace when you go and seat with him. His smile will get rid of your doubts/problems almost instantaneously.
I wish him all the luck in his life and may God bless him with healthy retirement life. I would also wish that he continues to spread the knowledge and bless the students like us.
I still remember my M.E., Thermodynamic classes where in I really learnt what Thermodynamics is all about and how can one teach it in its most beautiful way. It was Prof. Dabke who made us fond of the subject through his teaching. Apart from teaching thermodynamics he taught so many things through his innovative ways. Say it to be tutorials to be done on Excel or the assignments of thermodynamics which requires you to go to library. In class room he always used to ask questions rather than just teaching. He would pause and askes us to answer those questions. Sometimes even inviting us to discuss that on the board. All such things made his teaching very interesting.
I was lucky to have my dissertation work under him. During my association for dissertation work he was very supportive. I had learnt so many things from him. If you have any problem and you go to him he will ask you questions in such a way that while you answer them you get the solution. Many a times it has happened that just by seating in front of him only gave the solution of the problem. I have never seen him taking any question very lightly. My work was on computational aspect using MATLAB and I remember him coming with me at my computer and asking very minute details which I would never have thought of. But, if you answer them you learn that his perspective is so different. His way of interpreting the results and converting that in the sentences is really unique.
Apart from Thermodynamics his knowledge on Excel is immense. Many a times I would have called him for the solution of problem I am facing and he would just answer the question step by step over the telephone. He was really a mobile excel help for me.
During my PhD work he has been a rock solid support to me. His suggestions have made my thesis more valuable. Continuously for more than four years we worked on a Equations of state and his guidance mad a remarkable difference in my work.
Today whatever I am at professional level is only because of him. He has been my mentor in real sense. Whenever I came across any problem I seek his help and he has really get me out of that virtually every time. Apart from being a good academician Dabke sir is a very good human being. I have seen very few people in this world who can match his calmness. You feel a great sense of peace when you go and seat with him. His smile will get rid of your doubts/problems almost instantaneously.
I wish him all the luck in his life and may God bless him with healthy retirement life. I would also wish that he continues to spread the knowledge and bless the students like us.
Prof. Milind had not left anything for others to write. just to say that i am agree with each and every word of dear joshipura. The unique and praiseworthy feature of Prof. S.P. Dabke is the cool way of teaching a subject like thermodynamics.In nut-shell, I consider myself fortunate of being his student.
ReplyDeleteI wish Dabke sir for healthy retirement life, and assure the efforts to maintain the legacy of the subject.
First of all, thanks to Milind sir for providing us a platform where we can pen down for Dabke sir.
ReplyDeleteMy association with Dabke sir started during my ME in 2002, and I really liked his way of teaching, his indepth knowledge and control on his subject and the icing on the cake was his soft voice and ever smiling face. Hats off to his stamina even after taking lectures for long hours, he used to be fresh with a smile on his face.
He is an academician in true sense and source of inspiration for people who are in the profession of teaching. He is a great mentor, his suggestions/inputs really add value and gives a new dimension to the work as mentioned by Milind sir. Apart from being a good academician, he is a wonderful human being.
From the core of my heart i wish him a healthy retirement life and wish that he continues to share his knowledge and experience in future also.
With best wishes
Parag Saxena
I would like to thank Dr Milind to provide this opportunity to express our gratitude to our guru, Prof Dabke sir.
ReplyDeleteI would like to thank Prof Dabke sir for his kind support and affection for me. As everybody unanimously agreed that he is a great academician and human being. I would like to take this opportunity to mention that apart from Thermodynamics, he has contributed a lot in the field of reaction and polymer engineering. I can say that if I have any problem related to polymer engineering, I first like to take views of Dabke sir.
As a student of ME at M S University, I have an opportunity to learn from him. Even after my ME programme, I am fortunate to get benefited from his knowledge during my professional career.
His smiling face and supportive nature attract us to reveal our problems to him. On this occasion of his superannuation, I pray to the Lord to provide him good health so he can continue to guide many of us and continue to inspire us to be a good academician who is dedicated to profession of academics.
Thank you very much Sir for your untiring efforts and contributions to the field of Chemical Engineering.
As an engineering student I have noticed that most of the student runs away from the Thermodynamic (Subjects); which even includes me. But, it always said; the toughest (complex) things can be taught in a very simple, interacting and interesting manner – it’s only true if you have a faculty like Prof. Dabke sir.
ReplyDeleteI have even noticed that Prof. Dabke sir has not just taught his students; but has created a passion of Thermodynamic / learning new thing in life. Some of his students are the one of the best faculty; I have come across; and I can understand that Prof. Dabke sir has passed his passion and enthusiasm of teaching and learning to his students.
To share my first moment with Prof. Dabke sir; as a graduate student (from other Engineering College) I went to his office and asked him about few thermodynamic aspect and in return he had spent nearly 2-3 hours to guide me; but not just that he provided me with all the necessary resources that I can read and some of the Excel spreadsheet; to start with.
To end with there are three major aspects of “Thermodynamic” Work, Energy and Heat (transfer), I think Dabke sir had always Enthusiasm (energy) for his Work, and have transferred this knowledge to create another state of Faculty into the (teaching & learning) System.
All my best wishes to Prof. Dabke Sir and wish him healthy retirement life. Kindly bless all your students.
When I remember Prof. Dabke, after 10 years of completion of my M.E., an image of a fatherly personality with (forever!!) smiling face gets created in my mind with lot of regards and respect.
ReplyDeleteI literally learned the difference between learning and mugging during my most memorable thermodynamics classes of Dabke sir.I must admit that he is the one who ignited the interest in me for thermodynamics. Since I was an average student I initially used to struggle a lot to imagine many of the thermodynamics principles, Dabkesir made it really easy to understand those principles. I was really thrilled to give first OPEN BOOK TEST in M.E. 1st sem finals for thermodynamics.
More than thermodynamics, I have learnt how to be patient listener and not to be panicked in difficult situation from him. He always been helpful during diificult times. His supportive, easily approchable and down to earth nature made him my most favorite coach and mentor. He has solution for everything under the sun. I don't want to miss this opportunity to say thank you so much Dabke sir for being there always for us. I would also like to mention that I am a big fan of his "shuddh Gujarati" accents.
May god bless Dabkesir and my heartiest wishes for his happy, peaceful and healthy life ahead. We will never forget him for his contributions to chemical engineering. With warm regards, your obediently Dr.Ramesh Kantaria
Remembering back to my M.E, as such my interest in thermodyanamics is very low but Dabke sir start the interesting topic with smily face.Slowly slowly i started taking interest in thermodynamics.
ReplyDeleteNow in my in working in industry when i have started the process simulation the first topic is to understand the thermodynamics for various process and best thermodynamic model selection for simulation. on the same day i open my all ME class note of Dabke sir and again started the study. All the day i am always rembering him as guide.His constibution in my life is unforgotable.
Already Milind not left anything to write.
My best wishes for his happy and healthy life.
Himanshu Sagar
Prof. S. P. Dabke for me is much more than a friend, philosopher and guide. Although (unfortunately) he was not my ME guide but he helped demystify many aspects and gave me moral support. He has the ability to add vigor in the otherwise dry subject thermodynamics. In fact it was during the ME curriculum that I started appreciating thermodynamics. He not only taught the subject but also coaxed me to teach it. His knowledge of thermodynamics is undoubtedly vast like an ocean. When I joined academics he suggested that I should share a part of thermodynamics with him. I was shocked, stunned and perspired to the extent of getting a heart attack. But I distinctly remember how he helped me calm down and gave me some tips for about 15 minutes. Since then I have been engaged in teaching the subject. However, what I have inherited is a small fraction of the vast knowledge he has.
ReplyDeleteDabke Sir has been gifted with a unique ability of visualizing things. During our discussions he always use to say that 'the moment you visualize, 90% of the problem is solved'. Added to this the rich blend of sound fundamentals and rational thinking made him the most popular teachers in the Dept. Indeed nobody has left his cabin with the problem unsolved. May it be any subject he always had a solution to it. He never had categories like juniors or seniors and treated everybody equally.
Apart from teaching he was an excellent researcher. The best part was he used to take up those areas which were least ventured rather than the traditional and mundane work.
He was fond of coffee which was one of the many things that we had in common. I will definitely miss the technical and non-technical discussions over coffee.
My sincere wishes for a happy and peaceful post retirement life.
Nitin Bhate
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all I must agree with you all, which you all have penned down about Dabke Sir. In real sense (as Nitin said) He is 'more than a friend, mentor, philosopher and guide' for all of us. I am also amongst the few luckiest chaps who not only got his guidance as a teacher but also had a fortune to work with him as a colleague.
DeleteWhenever I used to enter his cabin, His always pleasing and smiling face with profound energy used to make me energetic. He has the magical touch in his teaching and dealings which always make one comfortable in his company. I always feel that, he is a true legendary teacher. He used to be always calm, humble, and helpful. He is a great personality having profound wisdom and knowledge in the field of Chemical Engineering. Words are falling short, but one thing is sure and you all will agree with me that he is one of 'Best Teacher' I/we ever met (and definitely in the entire MSU).
In my view the gap which has been created in the department will never be filled.
I pray to the Lord for his happy, peaceful and healthy as well as full of 'Krishna Conscious' retirement life.
Pravin Kodgire
Dabke Sir, A name which spreads smile on my lips and adiabetically expands my heart with full joy and happiness.
ReplyDeleteI still remember stupid/childish behaviours I did when i was in my Masters and still Dabke sir was like a true "Guru" keep on believing in me, guiding & mentoring me.
While in ME I did not realised that when he is doing for me - but now when I look 10yrs down memory lane i realised it was a great soul standing behind and correcting.
I am feeling a deep sense of gratitude & "being lucky" that i got chance to study when you were teaching, Sir. I too feel proud that I was student when Dabke Sir was teaching.
Thanks a ton again & wish you very healthy,happy and peaceful retirement life.
~ Mehul Chuahan
Thanks to Milind for providing us an opportunity to express our gratitude to our Dabke Sir.
ReplyDeleteI really liked his in-depth knowledge on chemical engineering, Excel & MATLAB. I also liked his way of teaching, simplicity, down to earth and supportive nature, smiley face & contribution in teaching field. He is 'more than a friend, mentor, philosopher and guide' for all of us. He is one of 'Best Teacher' I ever met. He is also a very good human being.
Today whatever I am at professional level is only because of him and chemical engineering department of The M.S.Univeristy of Baroda. Thank you so much Dabke sir for being there always for us.
My heartiest wishes for his happy, peaceful and healthy life ahead.
Thank you.
Best Regards,
Sagar Shah
Dabke Sir’s teaching approach epitomizes the concept of learning acquired through fundamental understanding of a subject. This is evident from the fact that he has taught many of the “not-so-popular” courses of chemical engineering and still managed to get several generations of students interested and actively engaged in these subjects. He has always encouraged an interactive and open mode of communication (questions & debates included) and has always maintained an open-door policy for students and staff members alike. I’ll always be grateful to him for his guidance on my final year project (despite not being my official guide) and his valuable advice for my masters course selection and subsequent career options. During all our interactions, I have always admired his calm attitude, down-to-earth demeanour, refined sense of humour and personal warmth – attributes that I’m sure many of his students and colleagues would like to emulate.
ReplyDeleteAlthough I have not been able to keep in touch with him lately, I will always treasure the memories of my association with him and look forward to meeting him in the near future. I wish Sir and his loved ones good health, happiness and success in all future endeavours.
Warm regards,
Ritesh Gulabani
I think I am the luckiest person to have guidance, support and love all throughout my master’s study as well as during my teaching years at MSU, because I was lucky to share subjects with great Dabke Sir.
ReplyDeleteI still remember that while during masters, I was so surprised to see my copy of thermodynamics, that I got very good marks. I could not believe first, then Dabke Sir with his forever smiling face announced the same, and hardly could I believe that I can do well in Thermodynamics. All the credit goes to Dabke Sir.
More fortunately, I could get a big chance of sharing thermodynamics as well as advanced thermodynamics, and both with Dabke Sir during 2005-2007. I still remember, the approach of Dabke Sir’s teaching. He taught me how to teach Thermodynamics-I in B.E. class from energy point of view (and he clubbed ‘Energy technology and thermodynamics’ both in one subject), and how to teach in master’s class. I think it was the guidance and direction of Dabke Sir only, that I could enjoy teaching both the subjects. Still, I think I am not very lucky to have his constant guidance and support then after.
Well, I sincerely wish a very healthy and peaceful life to Dabke Sir.
Respected Prof. S P Dabke, it is a great opportunity for me to wish you' Sir' on your retirement. I had always found you as an huge source of wisdom and knowledge enlightening our future. I am heartily thankful for all your efforts and significant contribution in M.S.U. It is you, the eminent people made us feel the proud to be part of Chemical Department. I wish all the best wishes and happiness as I did find you happy in teaching us.
ReplyDeleteGoral Gathani