From Kanpur to Kashmir the National Icon Prof. H. C. Verma Inspires Students

By Er. A. R. Fani

In the constellation of Indian educators, few shine as enduringly and luminously as Prof. Harish Chandra Verma. Revered not only for his profound knowledge of Physics but also for his rare gift of making the subject accessible, Prof. Verma's journey from the small town of Darbhanga in Bihar to becoming a national icon of science education is a story of intellect, humility, and a quiet revolution in learning.

Born on April 3, 1952, into a modest family, Prof. Verma was raised in an environment where simplicity and sincerity were core values. His father, a dedicated school teacher, laid a strong foundation of integrity and scholarship at home. But like many great minds, Prof. Verma’s early academic journey faced hurdles—marked by struggles with self-discipline and focus. It was the gentle motivation of his mother, who promised a reward for academic improvement, that ignited his serious engagement with studies—an agreement that turned into a lifelong romance with learning.

The Spark of a Legacy

After earning his B.Sc. in Physics from Patna Science College, where he graduated with distinction, Prof. Verma went on to complete his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur—one of the country’s foremost institutions. Though he excelled in advanced research, it was not just equations and theories that stirred his passion; it was the art of teaching.

In 1980, he began his teaching career at Patna Science College, where he first noticed a disconcerting pattern: students were memorizing formulas but failing to understand the core principles behind them. This gap between rote learning and conceptual clarity would ultimately shape his life’s mission.

In 1994, Prof. Verma joined the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur. His research contributions in experimental nuclear physics—especially in areas such as magnetism, nanostructures, and hyperfine interactions—led to over 130 peer-reviewed publications. Yet, even amidst his scientific pursuits, his true calling remained the classroom.

Concepts of Physics: The Bible for Science Students

Determined to simplify learning, Prof. Verma took on the mammoth task of writing a textbook that would make physics intuitive and engaging. With the precision of a scientist and the heart of a teacher, he spent eight years crafting the now-legendary “Concepts of Physics” Volumes 1 & 2. These books, celebrated for their clarity, relatable examples, and thoughtful problem sets, have become a staple for students preparing for competitive exams like IIT-JEE. They are not just textbooks—they are guidebooks to scientific thinking.

Innovating Science Education

Prof. Verma’s impact goes far beyond writing. He firmly believed that real science begins where textbooks end. With this belief, he developed over 600 low-cost physics experiments using simple materials—demonstrating complex theories in visually compelling and tangible ways.

To institutionalize this vision, he established the National Anveshika Network of India (NANI) under the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). Today, dozens of Anveshikas across India serve as hubs of experimental learning, where students and teachers alike can rediscover the joy of hands-on science.

A Life Committed to Social Good

Prof. Verma’s vision of education extended beyond physics labs and lecture halls. He co-founded Shiksha Sopan, an NGO that provides quality education to underprivileged children around the IIT Kanpur campus. Guided by the belief that talent is not bound by caste, class, or geography, Prof. Verma worked tirelessly to bring learning opportunities to the margins of society.

Honours and Recognition

In 2017, he received the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Shiksha Puraskar, Bihar's highest educational honor. In 2021, the Government of India awarded him the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to science and engineering education.

These accolades are not just personal milestones—they represent the collective gratitude of a nation deeply enriched by his efforts.

A Teacher for All Time

Though Prof. Verma retired from IIT Kanpur in 2017, retirement only marked the beginning of a new chapter. He continues to mentor educators, deliver lectures across India, and expand his experimental physics initiatives. His online physics courses, watched by lakhs of students, have brought his teachings to every corner of the country.

In an age where education is often commodified and reduced to a race for credentials, Prof. H. C. Verma remains a beacon of integrity, inquiry, and inspiration. He embodies the true essence of a teacher—not merely a transmitter of facts, but a cultivator of curiosity and a builder of character.

Indeed, he is, and will always remain, the teacher who made India fall in love with Physics.