His Words Became My Path

       On the occasion of the 100th birth anniversary of my beloved father, Prof. K. R. Saxena, whom we lovingly called Baba, I feel deeply emotional and privileged to share a few memories of a remarkable man who shaped not only my career, but my entire life.
        My journey of learning from Baba began when I was still in middle school. He was my first teacher, my first mentor, and my first role model. I was fortunate to grow up watching him closely—not just as my father, but as a teacher, administrator, and a person of great integrity.
         Years later, I had the privilege of becoming his student at Osmania University, when I pursued my M.Sc. in Geology during 1980–82. He taught us Palaeontology, but what he taught me went far beyond fossils, rocks, and geology. Through his words and actions, he taught me how to face life with honesty, clarity, discipline, and dignity.
        One moment in my life remains particularly close to my heart .In 1986, I was selected for two opportunities—one with the Atomic Minerals Division and another as a Scientist/Lecturer in Applied Geochemistry. I was confused and did not know which path to choose. As I had done throughout my life, I turned to Baba for guidance .He did not give me a long lecture. He simply said :“Continue the legacy of teaching like your father.”

      Those few words changed the course of my life. I followed his advice and joined Osmania University in March 1986. Just a few months later, in October 1986, Baba retired from the University.

        I still remember the happiness and pride on his face when he realised that I had listened to him and chosen the path of teaching. Perhaps, for a father who had dedicated his life to education, there could have been no greater satisfaction than seeing his son continue the same legacy.
        I served Osmania University for 32 years and had the privilege of guiding 17 doctoral scholars. Later, in 2017–2019, I was fortunate to serve at Adama Science and Technology University in Ethiopia .

       Whenever I look back at these milestones, I realise that the foundation for all of them was laid by Baba . He was a generous human being, an honest and dedicated teacher, a principled administrator, and a man with extraordinary clarity of thought.
       As Principal of P.G. College of Science, Saifabad , Osmania University, from 1980 until his retirement in October 1986, he contributed immensely to the development of the institution.But to me, Baba was much more than all these achievements and positions. He was the person I looked up to. He was the person I turned to when I was confused. He was the person whose approval meant the most to me. And he was the person whose values became the foundation of my own life.
        As the years have passed, I have come to understand the true meaning of his teachings even more deeply. Many of the decisions I made in life were influenced by his simple philosophy: live honestly, work sincerely, treat people with dignity, and always leave something meaningful behind.
        Baba was fortunate to see his children and grandchildren settle in life. I believe that gave him immense happiness. And today, as I look at my own journey, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude that I was blessed not only to be his son, but also to be his student . 
         There are some relationships that time cannot diminish. A father may leave us physically, but his voice continues to live within us. His advice becomes our inner voice. His values become our strength. His memories become our treasure. Even today, whenever I face an important decision, I sometimes find myself thinking: “What would Baba have advised me?” And somehow, I feel that I already know the answer.
         On his 100th birth anniversary, I bow my head with immense love, respect, and gratitude to my father, my teacher, and my lifelong guide. Baba, whatever I have achieved in my life carries a small part of your blessings and your legacy.
         You taught me geology, but more importantly, you taught me how to live .Your journey ended, but your teachings did not.Your legacy lives on—in your children, your grandchildren, your students, and in everyone whose life you touched.I am, and will always remain, your proud son.

With eternal love and gratitude,
Dr. Praveen Raj Saxena
 Retired Professor
Department of Applied Geochemistry
Osmania University , Hyderabad