I started my career as a teaching associate at my Alma Mater in an accidental manner. A professor was needed to teach Machine Drawing when I completed my graduation. Prof A.K. Dhol, the Head of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, offered me that position in an out-of-the-box manner. He verified that I secured an ‘A’ grade in that subject and bet on my teaching ability. He also secured a master’s seat for me, and I stayed for 5 years teaching before getting selected to serve the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).

The teacher in me remained dormant for a long time, but in 2008, I was invited to teach at the MBA class at the School of Management Studies at University of Hyderabad as an Adjunct Professor. By this time, I have established myself as an interdisciplinary man, having developed an indigenous coronary stent and co-founded Cardiac Research & Education (CARE) Foundation. Of course, my association with President Kalam was a great differentiator. I taught Medical Humanities to ten consecutive batches and then retired.

I consider the invitation to deliver the 32^nd Institution Lecture by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Banaras Hindu University (BHU), as the ultimate honour of my life. Prof Rajiv Sangal, the Director of IIT, was the first director of IIIIT, Hyderabad and knew me well from there. He suggested that I speak about the life and work of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, as this was the best inspiration for any engineer in India. The lecture is available on YouTube.