Students Advising

Advising students is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my work, and my approach is deeply inspired by the Bhagavad Gita.

The Gita is a sacred dialogue between Arjuna, a warrior standing at the threshold of battle, and Krishna, his divine charioteer and guide. As Krishna imparts wisdom, he teaches Arjuna about karma yoga—the path of selfless action—emphasizing that true fulfillment lies in performing one’s duty without attachment to the results. He speaks of jnana (knowledge), bhakti (devotion), and dharma (righteous duty), guiding Arjuna toward clarity and inner peace.

Of course, I am no Krishna, but I see advising as an act of seva—a selfless service dedicated to the growth of my students. Just as Krishna reassures Arjuna in his moments of doubt, I strive to support my advisees unconditionally, helping them cultivate curiosity, intellectual sincerity, and resilience. I remind them that the pursuit of knowledge is not just about external achievements but an inner journey of self-discovery.

It brings me immense joy to receive letters from students expressing their gratitude—these letters are a reflection of my commitment to teaching and advising. Below are some of the kind words shared by my students when I applied for tenure and teaching awards. Their appreciation strengthens my resolve to continue this path with humility and devotion.

Letters from Students:

• Deepak Saraswat

• Michelle Grieco

• Tasneem Ahmed

• Greg Kaiser

• Student from Dartmouth College

• Student from Dartmouth College