“A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops”. ~ Henry Brooks Adams
Early morning of 16th September 2013 saw the sad and untimely demise of one of the stalwarts of Indian Psychiatry, Prof. J. K. Trivedi.
Charismatic, disciplinarian, eminently fair, honest to the point of bluntness, punctual, hard working and dedicated to the cause of psychiatry is the simplest description that comes to my mind when I think about of my teacher and mentor, Prof. J. K. Trivedi. A keen clinician and astute researcher, he contributed significantly to the development of the Department of Psychiatry at K.G Medical University, Lucknow, India, and played a pivotal role in bringing his department at par with many other eminent psychiatric institutions of the country.
We, his students, consider ourselves fortunate to have had the opportunity to learn and work under his able guidance.
Formidable Reputation
Prof. J. K. Trivedi had a formidable reputation for his prompt, meticulous and punctual approach to clinical work. Students entering his Unit were forewarned to be at their best both in clinical work and academics. His sharp, caustic wit combined with care and consideration were an unlikely and surprising combination that made working in his Unit an unparalleled experience. His strict sense of propriety and discipline often created a sense of initial apprehension in his students. However, they soon adapted to his style of work and learnt his precise way of arriving at diagnoses and his effective management plans.
Post MD
Post the MD examinations, his relationship with his students changed dramatically. He adopted a friendly, caring and supportive attitude leaving behind the stern disciplinarian persona. He helped his students in whichever way possible in their forward journey, both in India and abroad. He not only instilled knowledge in us, but also developed a quest for learning and the ability to analyse valuable skills we will forever treasure.
His passion and dedication to the field of psychiatry was evident by his hard work and efficiency, both in clinical work and research. His presence added colour and lighted up many a psychiatric conference he attended. His untiring efforts and his love for scientific research were unmatched. It seemed an impossible, herculean task that he was as involved in seeing his patients as attending to his research projects, right till the last days of his life, oblivious of his serious medical problems.
His Life and Legacy
His life reflects what he believed in, and he will always remain an ideal for us. The principles that he lived by and taught continue to live in the hearts of his students and admirers.
Eyes are moist and heart grief stricken as I write this. But we, his students, are equally firm in our resolve to carry his legacy forward in our own small way. Also, we will always hold with fond remembrance the difficult lessons he helped us get right, and the way he shaped our lives.
Footnotes
Conflict of interest: None declared.
Declaration
This is my original unpublished work, not submitted for publication elsewhere.
CITATION: Tripathi A. Late Prof. J. K. Trivedi: A Teacher Affects Eternity. Mens Sana Monogr 2014;12:1-3.