Techniche 5th issue (Read-Only) - College of Technology, Pantnagar

Page 14
THEORY THEORY OF OF RELIVING
RELIVING
D.C.Pandey is a figure well known among students of our generation as the author of a popular
series of physics books for competitive examinations. Techniche caught up with him during
SAMANVAY-08. Here is the interview in which he candidly discusses the aspects of his life unknown
to us.
What were your days as a student in Pantnagar like?
As a student of COT, I have stayed in Tagore, Patel and
Chittaranjan Bhawans. I was never considered as a role
model for other students but after getting admission here,
I became even more carefree. We usually spent our days
indulging in activities that cannot be published in the
magazine (laughs a lot)
Did you struggle a lot after obtaining your degree?
When I finished my degree, it was difficult for Civil
Engineering graduates to find a job due to a downtrend in
the industry. I moved to Bareilly, unemployed, under my
brother’s shadow. I taught at a few coaching classes but
that barely gave me any independence. Soon I came to be
introduced only as the sibling of Mr. P. C. Pandey, my
brother. I realized I had lost my own identity. Overnight I
developed a zeal to work to earn a name for myself.
So how did your first book finally come through?
I struggled for many years while working on my first
book, “Problems in Physics.” When it was finally completed
I began searching for publishers. That was not a
cakewalk. Before I finally tied up with Arihant Publications,
I faced a lot of rejections. My book was brought
out in 2000, and it became an instant success in IIT study
W
e were racing down the highway at 80mph.But
just as I had started weaving an image of us,
flying low, my friend applied brakes and our
speed machine slowed down. A few meters ahead I could
see a similar car stuck abruptly in the middle of the road.
We soon figured out that the driver had tried to change
his side of the road, when he lost precision over the
clutch and his car reached a sudden halt. Soon my friend
noticed that the driver was a lady, in her early thirties.
And he shouted, “Man! Why do they let these aunties
drive?”Soon the rush increased. So did the number of
horns and the amount of noise they produced. I could
read their lips, uttering ‘Stupid lady’, ‘Darned Aunty’ and
circles and Kota. This book is still my personal favourite.
And you did not look back after that…
Tech-Achiever
Fortunately, I didn’t. Fate smiled at me. I published 10
books in a span of just 2 years. Orders used to get
placed for my books even before they could be published.
Those who had rejected me earlier came knocking
at my door. However, I declined all their offers.
After 13 books in 8 years, what keeps you going
strong?
‘Hunger for fame’ is my prime motivation. However,
my vision is to write a book to suit the needs of international
curriculum, like Resnick & Halliday. I have been
approached by some foreign publishing houses as well
What is your message to the students of COT?
I have learnt from my own experiences that there does
not exist a point of no return. Whenever you decide to
shape your life the way you want to, there’s no one
stopping you. It’s never too late to do anything and you
must never lose hope. Though you cannot deny the role
of luck, your own efforts are a must. Work hard and
relax only when you need to.
BLOWING BLOWING THE THE HORN...
HORN...
‘Why do ladies drive?’ The lady took some time to clear
the road, and soon everything was smooth and normal.
But something about this very common road incident
shook my insides. It could have happened with anyone.
But just because, there was a lady at the driving seat, the
issue became a mountain of a mole hill. Now looking at
the matter logically .The clutch doesn’t respond to gender
differences .Neither does being a male, give you the
inherent license of driving better.
We live in the 21 st century .We fight for the rights of the
weaker sects of the society, increase reservations in
IIT’S and IIM’S, and yet, when it comes to that part of