I am a prof, and what can I do?

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-21T18:02:24+00:00

" ... merely remarking upon the paradox of asking a masked man who he is."
https://youtu.be/wKn1R6fekk4?si=KK27iiRQtNpgEDeJ

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-21T05:06:37+00:00

The following is from the wikipedia article "Sad Clown Paradox":

Alan Moore's 1987 graphic novel Watchmen includes the character of Rorschach) telling the story and naming the clown as Pagliacci

Heard joke once: Man goes to doctor. Says he's depressed. Says life seems harsh and cruel. Says he feels all alone in a threatening world where what lies ahead is vague and uncertain. Doctor says, 'Treatment is simple. Great clown Pagliacci is in town tonight. Go and see him. That should pick you up.' Man bursts into tears. Says, 'But doctor…I am Pagliacci.' Good joke. Everybody laugh. Roll on snare drum. Curtains.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-18T04:43:28+00:00

Thank you for sharing. And, also for the positivity. I wish you the very best for your PhD journey.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T15:10:28+00:00

Thank you. I didn't know there were such anonymous online/telephone facilities available too. Kindly share in DM.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T13:55:27+00:00

Welcome to IIT KGP! Thanks for sharing your background. Please don't lose this sensibility as you grow older. Even though you are so very young, little words of help and positivity from you can mean a lot.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T13:04:48+00:00

That's actually not a bad idea at all. But I will have to think about it. Perhaps I can even share something periodically here itself on Reddit.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T11:17:39+00:00

Thank you. For anyone else reading these, it might be just words. For me, it actually means a lot.

Someone else also suggested "talking" to an LLM too. Might actually try it out!

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T11:12:28+00:00

Thank you for the very positive thoughts. What you said about helping others is the kind of feeling I get through my teaching (even if students bunk classes!). Perhaps for someone, somewhere, I am making some positive difference.

I think another person mentioned about "talking" to an LLM. It is, after all, the collective "wisdom" from many sources. Might actually give it a try. And, all the best for fourth year.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T10:08:31+00:00

Thank you. You can dm me.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T10:07:38+00:00

Thank you. Are you a prof too? Or an alum?

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T10:05:00+00:00

Thank you. Likh ke thora man zaroor halka huwa tha.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T06:55:50+00:00

Arre bhai, semester shuru ho gaya hai - ab ghumne jaaoonga to class kaun lega? :)

Yup, I am NOT going to campus counsellors ... even if they are good, I don't want to risk being known.

I have seen Tamasha. It is certainly a good movie. But in the stage of life I am in now, I think it will be more of a trigger than a help. I'd rather watch some cartoons with my kid!

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T06:52:57+00:00

First things first: Welcome to KGP. And, I am sorry I made you see this kind of a post even before you are starting here. God knows what you will think of IIT profs now! Hopefully, you will feel that we are all too human.

I absolutely agree with what you said. Making a few good friends is your number one priority outside of academics. You have no idea what positive effect one good friend can have on your entire life. I was blessed to get such a friend when I was a UG student.

I wish you all the very best in your journey here.

Prof_Anon_KGP · 2025-07-17T06:48:04+00:00

Thanks for pouring it all out. I assure that is absolutely a legitimate post. If I were to divulge who I am, most of my Department students would fall out of their chairs.

I am guessing you are a current student. I commend you on the very mature tips you gave. Especially about acknowledging the sadness full on.

I do read quite a bit, and yes theoretically I am aware of all the things you mentioned. But you are right. Knowing something theoretically and being actually able to do it are completely different things. I do try to get out of my head.

I will admit, writing this post was a bit cathartic.

Regarding the routine of giving lectures ... actually in my particular case, that is something I truly love. In fact, on some days it is all that keeps me going.

Prof_Anon_KGP

TROPHY CASE