Dr. (Prof) David Baker was my teacher during my undergraduate years – 1983 – 1986. He was a history professor at St. Stephens College, Delhi University Delhi. An Australian by nationality, he fell in deep love with India – since then he did not look back. He was a bachelor. During our weekly tea sessions, in 1984, I mustered lots of courage to ask as to why he did not marry. All I got in reply was an enigmatic smile. My hostel room (as Stephenians call – residence) number was O-12 – opposite to Dr. David Bakers suite in Rudra South. He was also the block tutor. Thus my association with him was close. I learned a lot from him.
The photo above was clicked in February 2020. My heart ached when I saw the LinkedIn post (23.08.2021) about the news of Dr. Baker’s demise. Though not unexpected, the final word was still felt as a blow. Words seem so inadequate, but with this post comes my heart filled with love and sympathy on the loss of our beloved Dr. Baker. Dr. Baker was a vibrant, talented, caring teacher and dearly loved by everyone whose life he touched. But for me, he was even more. He was a rare and cherished teacher & friend.
I know we all will miss him deeply, but I also know that we recognize the blessings of the beautiful years we shared at St Stephens. You were always a source of strength and courage. I recall him once saying that love of life and enduring optimism brought him closer to God.
I was a student of this great man…and more so, he was my block (Rudra South) Tutor too! I join the entire Stephenian community in mourning over the void caused. He left us suddenly and he loved us dearly. No one can prepare for a loss; it comes like a swift wind. However, I take comfort in knowing that he is now having his evening tea and biscuits with his eternal Tutor…our Lord. It deeply saddens me that one great teacher passed away.
When we lose a great teacher like Dr. David Baker here on earth, we gain an angel in heaven that watches over us. I take comfort in knowing that we have an angel to watch over us. A person like Dr. Baker departs from this earth never truly leaves, for he is still alive in our hearts and minds, through us, he lives on…till eternity.
I can’t explain how much I really miss you sir. You are an inspiration to me and my life. You were full of faith, courage and strength. I wish you farewell in your journey to eternity. It is written, “it is appointed for man to die once and after this, judgement.” But we pray that mercy reigns over judgement. I wish you a blissful rest in eternity Dr. Baker.
Prayers and fond memories are what I have to remember you sir. I can’t understand or imagine what every Stephenian is feeling right now…but we all love you sir. I pray that God will comfort you Himself, watch and guide over you like you’ve never experienced.
He’s the reason I am where I am today. May your soul rest in peace and may God grant you the Nirvana. I will always remember your kindness. It was an honour to be a student of yours and I truly miss you. RIP Dr. David Baker Sir.
About the Author
Dr. K. Raja Gopal Reddy is a seasoned internationally qualified Insurance professional.
What you are reading here, may not answer all the questions we have, but has the absolute power of asking unsettling questions which increase the interest in the strange world, and show the contradictory wonders lying just below the surface of the commonest things of life. Look at this disturbing but beautiful thought of Friedrich Nietzsche “God is dead. God remains dead. And we have killed him”.
Dr. Reddy can be reached at: raja66gopal@gmail.com
