A Bond Beyond Measure: Reflections on My Mentor

In the beginning, I humbly offer my deepest reverence to the illustrious memories of the late Prof. A.K Seal, who was not only my mentor but also a philosopher, and guide. Commemoration of the revered Late Professor Arun Kumar Seal, a pioneering metallurgist hailing from one of the famous Metallurgy Department at Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur, which stands as the second oldest in the country, and an esteemed Principal of Bengal Engineering College, Shibpur assumes an unmatched significance. This momentous juncture stands as an emotional opportunity to bestow a befitting tribute upon his exceptional legacy.

Born  on 1st September 1928, Dr. Seal had his graduation in Honours Science from Asutosh College, Calcutta, 1947 and obtained B E Degree in Metallurgy from Bengal Engineering College in 1951.  As a first ranker breaking all previous record of B E College (Metallurgy), when he appeared in the field in 1951, a phenomenon was in sight in the horizon.  His academic career profile with Ph.D  fom Sheffield in 1956 and awards and certificates of merit from Universities and Institute were only indicative of the phenomenon moving towards a LEGEND.

Returning back to India Prof. Seal joined B E College in 1957 as lecturer, became Asstt. Professor in 1958 and Prof. HOD in 1968.  He assumed responsibility of Principal B. E. College, Shibpur in 1979 and continued till his retirement in 1988.  He was actively associated with the Indian Institute Metals since its inception and served the Institute it various capacities and became its President in 1984.

So, we say VINI VIDI VICI he came, the established, he conquered.  The spectrum of his activities in the field of Metallurgy, the depth of knowledge and breadth of vision made “Dr Seal”– “METALLURGY” personified.  No wonder, therefore, that a student of Metallurgy B E College became its PRINCIPAL & an Ordinary Member of Institute of Metals became its PRESIDENT.

He was the Fellow of Institute of Metals London and The Institution of Engineers (India). He was the recipient of number of Honors, accolades and awards of which

1) Calcutta University Gold Medal

2) Button Gold Medal and Awards of University of Sheffield

3) National Metallurgist’s Day Award

4) Steel Eighties Award and Platinum Medal in Indian Institute of Metals

5) Eminent Teacher in Met. Award of B.E. College, Shibpur

We say, it’s an honour to a worthy, an honour to his brilliance, and outstanding contribution in the field of Metallurgy.

The story of Dr. Arun K Seal shall remain incomplete if his contribution to The Institution of Engineers (India) is not spoken about. He was the Council Member and Member Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Division Board of the institution.  Under his leadership as Chairman, this Division of IEI got a new Dimension.  I had the unique opportunity of work under his competent mentorship, as the Convener and Organizing Secretary of a 5th National Convention of Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Division, at Kolkata in 1989. I remember his last deliberation as a Key-note Speaker in National Conference on “Surface Treatment Metals”. The proceedings of the conference, containing his inimitable article, is still there in the Sir R.N. Mookerjee Library of The Institution of Engineers (India) and still it is worth reading.

He was a Master in the field of Metallurgy, his contribution in the field of Metallurgy and introducing a dedicated band of Metallurgists and research works revealed the talent of a Master to become the Master of Masters.

In July 1991 Professor Seal Joined IIT Kharagpur as TATA Chair Professor and the great talent left us on 1.9.1991 and keeps a great void.