Remembering a Lifetime of Joy with VG
by John Cox
Through a lifetime, I am truly grateful for having known Dr. Virender Gautam, our VG. Early on, as we got to know one another and our families, it was delightful to celebrate Holi with him and the Cape Indian community by sharing samosas and biryani at the Golden Swan in Falmouth.
VG exemplified the legacy that he enabled through his lifetime commitment and love of learning, teaching, and expected optimism for each one of us. VG personally helped to shape my understanding of India before participating in the Fulbright Nehru International Seminar in 2014, with a follow up invitation six months later with the State Department to participate in the US-India Higher Education Dialogue and present at the US-India Technology Summit. During both ventures, as I entered India at 3 a.m. local time, VG’s family came en masse to welcome me, joining me a few times during my visits. VG’s reach through his family provided a hands-on, real time experience in understanding a bit more about incredible India.
VG was totally, totally committed to our students whether through teaching, advising, Rotaract, or the Economics Club. One effort that clearly encapsulated his love for economics, joy of teaching, and belief in our students was his Comparative Economics course to Dubai and India in 2015. Not only did he craft the logistics, the syllabus, and the learning opportunity, he successfully generated the gift from our community to enable our students to enroll at very little cost. For most, this was their first international trip. For some, this was their first travel out of state. It was outstanding to see the students before and after the course to hear how their perspectives had changed. VG’s life was well lived, shaping so many lives.
Let me share one story in particular that will paint this picture of how VG’s encouragement can affect outcomes. After seeing the need for toilets around many of India’s schools to provide a degree of privacy and help retain attendance, I learned more about the Gates Foundation’s Reinvent the Toilet initiative and the winning technology at Caltech, piloted in India. The first commercial application of this technology in North America will be incorporated into the Frank and Maureen Wilkens Science and Engineering Center with the hope to extend a more affordable reach of this technology to others, globally. So, as we see this pilot project take form in our new Center, know that the transformational roots of this effort are part of the strength and the reach of VG.
When we recall John Silvanus Wilson, Jr.’s 2019 commencement speech, he spoke about the unfinished symphony of life. For those living a life well lived, the game plan and schedule are not always straightforward and there are often challenges to be faced. As the teacher and the professor, always preparing for the ever-present opportunity, now VG’s symphony is unfinished. Yet, from his legacy, we are prepared to carry forward.
As the purveyor of economics, critical thinking, and motivation, VG cultivated the extension of his commitment among his students, his friends, family, and colleagues. We miss him immensely as we move forward having shared our lives and experiences, growing in knowing him, and knowing we – as VG would encourage – stay optimistic.
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