*A tribute to Prof. A. S. Zope on the occasion of his retirement*
My colleague Prof. Avinash Zope Sir, Lecturer and in-charge Head of Department, Electrical Engineering, Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon, is retiring from government Service on 31/8/2022. Best wishes to him for his second innings after retirement. I pray to the Lord that he may live a fulfilling life according to his heart’s desires and expectations.
Mr. Zope sir obtained his diploma from Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon in the year 1981 and graduated from VJTI Mumbai. After seven or eight years of industrial experience, he joined the Technical Education Department as Lecturer of Electrical Engineering. He served in various Government Polytechnics at Khamgaon, Gadchiroli, Dhule, Ausari and also at Government College of Engineering, Jalgaon. While in service he received M. Tech. Ed.. degree from NITTR, Bhopal.
He is known as a very disciplined teacher who strived round the clock for the all-round development of his students. He wrote books on Electrical Engineering subjects in simple language for students. For many years he was working on the Board of Studies of Electrical Engineering discipline of Maharashtra State Board of Technical Education.
Many old and heavy machines of the electrical engineering department under his leadership are still functioning well. He had updated the laboratories and classrooms in the electrical department at a minimal cost. He had guided the students in their projects to illuminate layouts and models of various thermal plants of Maharashtra and exhibited them with in the polytechnic. Photos of various scientists and information about their work were displayed on display boards in laboratories and classrooms.
Mr. Zope sir along with his department, was responsible for maintaining the power supply systems of various buildings and hostels in the forty acre area of the institution. With very little financial provision for maintenance, he used to facilitate many difficult tasks due to his personal liaison with the officers of the electricity board.
In September 2018, a transformer in the institute premises exploded. Oil spilled out of it and spread with fire and created a very precarious situation. Mr. Zope sir and his colleagues immediately contacted the electricity board engineers and safely pulled out the blasted transformer. In two days the electricity supply was restored with the installation of a new transformer. I remember many such incidents on this occasion.
He always insisted that any event in the organization was carried out in a very orderly manner. He always encouraged the students and entrusted them with the responsibility of organizing the program. Especially during Dussehra, Teacher's Day, Engineer's Day, Felicitation Ceremonies, Farewell Functions. Electrical engg. students used volunteer to draw Rangolis. The electrical engg. department used to be lit up with lighting.
He played an important role in establishing and registering the Alumni Association of the Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon. Through the association, he implemented various activities in the institution.
When the Entrepreneurship Management Development Cell was functioning in the institute, a three-day training program was organized for the students through it. In that, on the final day, the students would have a direct interaction with the renowned industrialists and the students would get an opportunity to ask the entrepreneurs their questions and clarify their doubts. This program was coordinated by Shri. Zope Sir. This program was not only very beneficial to the students but also the renowned entrepreneurs who came to the institute were overwhelmed by the organization of the program and the creativity of the students. Even today many people remember this event.
In his speeches Mr. Zope sir used to mention the poem, “You start dying slowly if you don't.......” written by Nobel Prize winner Pablo Neruda. In this poem, the poet says that while trying to fulfill our dreams with innovation, we should enjoy a beautiful life, otherwise we die slowly.
Mr. Zope sir is not only an ideal teacher but also a good human being. He is a family man, liked to stay active, went on sightseeing trips with family and relatives and attended classical music and dance events. He has an aptitude to enjoy life to his heart's content.
His association with Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon spans 45 years. He and both of his daughters are alumni of the institution. Interestingly, all three had passed out of the institute standing first in their classes. Many of his students are working in various responsible positions. Some have become successful entrepreneurs. I am personally indebted to him for his cooperation with me in many activities. I am sure Mr. Zope Sir will be a contented man as he retires. Wishing him my best wishes once again, I take leave.
Thank you!
Dr. Mahendra Ingle, Former Principal
Government Polytechnic, Jalgaon
Translated from original Marathi by Dr. S. B. Wesley
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