Dr H C Verma Success Mantra: Do not Study Science, Love It
All engineering aspirants and Physics students already know Dr H C Verma. He is the author of ‘Concepts of Physics’ – the Bible of Physics for all Class 11 and Class 12 students pursuing Science. Just as he has become godfather to several poor children around IIT Kanpur and is highly regarded for his method of teaching, his book has been a staple for JEE aspirants generation-after-generation.
Here are a few excerpts from Dr H C Verma’s interview where he has revealed what he considers is a biggest success mantra for Science and Engineering students:
Q: What inspired you to write ‘Concepts of Physics’ that has become so well reputed and respected in Indian students?ÂÂ
Dr. Verma: It is an interesting story. My teaching started in 1979 at Patna Science College, where I was told to teach students of Class 11, 12, B.Sc and M.Sc. I used to love the book by Resnick and Halliday. It was a shock to me that my Class 11 and Class I2 students hardly responded to my teaching with that book. They just could not understand Physics when I used that book.
Over the years, I realized that I had first come across Resnick-Halliday in M.Sc. At that time, I was mature enough to appreciate it. Other Physics books too did not seem to do enough to help my students understand the beauty of the subject. So, I decided to write one book myself. It took me 8 years to complete ‘Concepts of Physics’.
Q: It has been observed that many students who clear JEE lack the instinct and curiosity of gaining knowledge. Why do you think this happens?ÂÂ
Dr. Verma: I think the problem lies with our school education. We set ‘false’ targets and success notions in our students. I receive emails from several Class 11 and Class 12 students who say that their aim in life is to crack JEE. But JEE is just the first step to one’s career. After you have entered IIT, your life does not end there. It is just a beginning.
Science is taught like History in Indian schools. Education in Science has to help our students experience the joy of discovery and exploration.
Q: Do you think IITs have been able to realize the vision with which they were set up?ÂÂ
Dr. Verma: IITs were set up to produce students with technological skills that can lead India in the face of global competition. They have been successful in this regard. Despite 15 years of school education, IIT alumni have proved themselves and positioned IIT as an international brand name.
Q:  Would you like to tell something to teachers and students of India?ÂÂ
Dr. Verma: I would like to tell the teachers that the government and HRD Ministry are only responsible for education policies but the teacher is the one to shape his or her students’ future. Once they realize the nobility of their profession, they will find ways to help their students.
Students should try to explore more. Focus less on course content and more on the beauty of Science and Engineering. There lies the route to Success.
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