प्रोफेसर राजत कुमार राय

We were the first ones to learn physics from Prof. Ray when he joined IITK in 1962. A very soft spoken person, a brilliant teacher, he ensured that we understood what he taught. A very friendly attitude towards students made physics so much easier to grasp. He would remember names of students even after several years and greet in a warm and affectionate manner whenever we ran into him in the institute. Later, when I joined as a faculty in ChE, we would occasionally discuss matters, that encompassed several fields. It was always a delight to meet him. May his soul rest in peace.

Rajat and I shared neighbouring offices in the faculty building for many years and hence he was my natural first stop in sharing many thoughts in the Department. I recall his sharp mind, fresh thoughts and clear integrity. Vijaya joins me in conveying the heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and hope they derive strength to bear the grief. --RR

I very fondly recall my interactions with Professor R.K. Ray, starting with the visit to the low-temperature lab during the counselling of our batch. I remember he dipping a rubber tube in liquid nitrogen and then "breaking" it by hitting on the wall. He so clearly showed how properties of matter change with the change in temperature; of course any demonstration by Professor Ray was accompanied by a very interesting non-stop commentary with remarks that everyone connected with very easily. My second extended interaction with him was in Phy203 where he was my tutor. Again physics with lovely stories and commentary. I also note that the course Instructor was Professor Parasnis who also passed away earlier this year. Then Professor Ray taught us Solid-state physics and man I loved the course; He made solids come alive on the board. An example of the kind of stories he used to tell: While teaching superconductivity, he talked about Brian Josephson and said that during a conference Bardeen told Josephson "Are you trying to teach me my theory?". Josephson replied: No, but if you push me to the corner then Yes. And I remeber vividly the way Professor Ray told the story. Another instance of inimitable Prof. Ray story: when one of us asked about Josephson effect after he had given about three lectures on it, he said - you all do not come to the class regularly and then suddenly in one day you want to become Josephson. All you will become at this rate is a third rate physicist. While writing this, stories have started coming to my mind. In solid-state physics again, I remeber I could not understand the diamond structure and I thnk at one point he was really frustrated because he said in Bangla: Diamond structure atta atom achchhe. Man, I have never forgotten the diamond structure since then. Professor Ray was a very lively person and in his classroom it always appeared that he was enjoying what he was doing. I am sure other students who interacted with him also remeber him as clearlrly as I do. May his soul rest in peace.

We all miss him but we cannot miss his memories from our heart. He always talked about possitive outlook of life and conveyed this with a unique sense of humour besides being a scholar, fabulous teacher and researcher. We share this grief with his family members and send our heart-felt condolences.May his soul rest in peace.