Professors who taught Nirmala Sitharaman at the Seethalakshmi Ramaswami College where she pursued Bachelor of Arts in Economics watched in awe as she presented the first budget as Finance Minister.
Ms. Sitharaman had studied B.A. Economics at the college from 1977 to 1980. Speaking of Ms. Sitharaman, Kanaka Bashyam, former principal of SRC said that she was not surprised that a student like her would reach such heights. “She was entirely self-made. No teacher can take credit for her work in college. She was diligent, obedient and always curious about everything. I feel proud when I see her on TV doing the most important job in the country. In fact, all of Tiruchi should feel proud,” she says.
Ms. Bashyam recollected how she took Ms. Sitharaman to several quiz and elocution competitions. “She was an economics student but her oratory skills were impeccable even then. One would always find her in the library reading or with a professor asking questions. There are very few students who prepare for classes beforehand and have pointed questions for the professors. Ms. Sitharaman was one of them”, says Ms.Bashyam.
“Students like her inspire and motivate teachers to teach. I'm sure there are innumerable things professors have learned through her questions and doubts,” she adds.