My first real interaction with Dr. Mottalib sir, along with three of my close peers and seniors, was in his office – a rare territory to enter for someone like me, someone nobody expects to find in the vicinity of faculty. Being in his office was like walking into a tiger’s den! This time, the tiger had summoned us.
He was fuming at us for what we had done – and rightly so! Then suddenly he took off his belt – ready to strike! But he paused, he didn’t. He spared us that day. His forgiveness kept my career alive.
Things got better. He was happy to see my photography activities. I liked his style of running the department. Strong, cheerful and well informed of each one of his students. He was the perfect leader to follow. I realized that he was perhaps the most important foundation of our university. IUT has a great reputation because of leaders such as him. My fears turned to admiration.
I am usually more interested in how someone delivers a lecture than its content. I observed how he presented, his temperance, body language, the charismatic way of him. It fascinated me. He was this parent figure of fledgling personalities, future professionals. He is so important to countless students. Dr. Mottalib sir has developed countless excellent professionals who are spread throughout the globe, changing the world everyday.
He was delighted with my team’s thesis presentation. I burst with joy inside! He started calling our group members “Salt and Pepper”. All this time, I wanted to become good in his eyes. He drove me to prove to him that I was better than his perception of me.
Mottalib sir lent me his video recorder for an event. I was going through the photos and videos. I found a completely different person outside the territories of IUT. He is such a sweet man. IUT will forever miss this great man.
At the graduation ceremony he shook my hands and congratulated me. I almost cried in happiness.
Life can lead you anywhere, more so when you are living in teenage wasteland. I am fortunate that I had someone like Dr. Mottalib sir in my life. He continues to inspire me to do better.
Thank you sir.
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