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 deep knowledge of Physics but also for his rare gift of making it 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, resilience, and quiet revolution.
Born on April 3, 1952, in a modest home in Bihar, Prof. Verma was nurtured in an environment that valued simplicity and sincerity. His father, a dedicated school teacher, laid the foundation of integrity and learning in the household. Yet, his early academic journey was not without its share of hurdles. Struggling with self-discipline and academic focus, it was the gentle encouragement of his mother—and a promise of reward—that reoriented him toward serious study. What began as a small family bargain soon transformed into a deep, lifelong engagement with knowledge.
After completing his B.Sc. in Physics from Patna Science College, where he graduated with distinction, Prof. Verma pursued his M.Sc. and Ph.D. at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kanpur, one of India’s most prestigious institutions. It was here that his intellectual foundations deepened, but it was not just equations and experiments that stirred his passion—it was the question of how to teach.
*The Birth of a Teaching Legend*
_In 1980, Prof. Verma began teaching at Patna Science College. While lecturing to young students, he was struck by a problem that would haunt—and ultimately define—his career: the gap between students’ ability to solve physics problems and their understanding of physical concepts. Many were memorizing formulas but failing to grasp the deeper principles behind them. _In 1994, Prof. Verma joined the Department of Physics at IIT Kanpur. His research in experimental nuclear physics produced over 130 peer-reviewed papers, focusing on areas such as magnetism in materials, nanostructures, and hyperfine interactions. But even in the midst of high-level research, his heart remained in the classroom. He became known not only for his intellect but for his simplicity—walking into lectures with a chalk in one hand and curiosity in the other.
The Bible in Physics- _*“Concepts of Physics”
_Determined to bridge this gap, he undertook the monumental task of writing his own textbooks. With the precision of a scientist and the empathy of a teacher, he spent eight years crafting what would become one of the most beloved and influential books in Indian science education_ _*“Concepts of Physics” Volumes 1 and 2. These books, now staples of majority of Indian science students' library, are celebrated for their lucid explanations, relatable examples, and elegant problem sets that blend rigor with imagination._*
_*Innovating Beyond the Textbook_*
_Prof. Verma’s contribution was never limited to blackboards and syllabi. He believed that real science begins where textbooks end—and true education lies in nurturing curiosity._ _*To this end, he developed over 600 low-cost physics experiments to promote hands-on learning. These models, made with everyday materials, demonstrated complex principles in simple, visual ways and transformed classrooms into laboratories of wonder._*
_*To scale this vision nationally, Prof. Verma founded the National Anveshika Network of India (NANI) under the Indian Association of Physics Teachers (IAPT). This network now runs dozens of Anveshikas—centers across India where teachers and students learn experimental physics through direct engagement._* _His dream was to cultivate not just scientists, but thinkers—people who could ask meaningful questions and explore them with integrity._
_*A Life of Service Beyond Science_*
_Equally compelling is Prof. Verma’s deep social commitment._ _*He co-founded Shiksha Sopan, an NGO that works to uplift underprivileged children through quality education around the IIT Kanpur campus._* _While others might have rested on their academic laurels, he turned his attention to children in the margins—believing that talent knows no caste, income, or postcode._
_Through this initiative, Prof. Verma extended the reach of education beyond classrooms and institutions, offering young minds a chance to dream and a means to realize those dreams._
_*Recognition and Legacy_*
_Prof. Verma’s unwavering commitment to physics education has been recognized at both state and national levels._ _*In 2017, he was awarded the Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Shiksha Puraskar, the highest educational honor by the Government of Bihar, acknowledging his exemplary contributions to science education and his transformative impact on generations of learners._*
_*In 2021, the Government of India conferred upon him the Padma Shri, the nation’s fourth-highest civilian award, in recognition of his distinguished service in science and engineering. These accolades reflect not merely personal achievement but the collective admiration of a nation grateful for his clarity of vision, depth of understanding, and enduring humility._
_*A Teacher Lifetime_*
_Prof. Verma officially retired from IIT Kanpur in 2017, but retirement in his case has only meant the beginning of a new chapter. He continues to mentor young educators, deliver lectures across India, and expand his experimental learning projects. His online physics courses, viewed by lakhs of students, serve as a testament to his enduring relevance and reach. In an age where education is often reduced to coaching and credentialing, Prof. H. C. Verma remains a beacon of integrity, inquiry, and inspiration. He embodies what it means to be a teacher in the truest sense: not a dispenser of facts, but a cultivator of curiosity, character, and wonder.
_He is, and will always remain committed as a teacher who made India fall in love with Physics.
Author is Alumnus, NIT Srinagar
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