During IIT Ropar’s convocation ceremony, a simple request from a graduating student led to an unforgettable moment. As one B.Tech student received his degree, he politely asked Director Prof. Rajeev Ahuja for permission to wear black sunglasses during their photo session. What happened next has redefined what it means to be a “cool professor.”
The director immediately granted permission with a friendly nod. But the student had a surprise – offering a second pair of sunglasses to Prof. Ahuja with the words, “Sir aapke liye bhi hai (Sir, I have a pair for you as well).” Without hesitation, the director responded enthusiastically and donned the sunglasses, creating an iconic moment that resonated with audiences worldwide.
Why This Moment Matters
The video, shared by IIT Ropar Diaries on Instagram, has garnered over 20 million views within just one day. But beyond the numbers, this moment represents something deeper – a shift in academic culture where educators embrace connection and relatability with their students.
Prof. Ahuja didn’t stop there – he continued accepting quirky pose requests from other degree holders, showing that respect and professionalism can coexist with fun and approachability.
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Social Media’s Reaction
The internet has dubbed Prof. Ahuja the “Pookie Professor,” with users praising both the student’s respectful approach and the director’s willingness to participate. Comments ranged from appreciation of the student asking permission first to celebrating the director’s “vibe check” pass.
The Man Behind the Moment: Prof. Rajeev Ahuja
Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, the Director of IIT Ropar, has built a reputation for his progressive leadership style and student-centric approach. His willingness to embrace spontaneous moments during formal ceremonies reflects his understanding of modern academic culture, where connection and relatability are as important as academic excellence.
Under his leadership, IIT Ropar has fostered an environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves, leading to moments like these that showcase the healthy relationship between faculty and students.
Breaking Academic Stereotypes
The IIT Ropar Viral Professor 2025 incident challenges traditional notions of academic formality. While maintaining the dignity of convocation ceremonies, Prof. Ahuja showed that educators can be approachable without compromising their authority or respect.
This moment has sparked conversations about the evolution of academic culture in India’s premier institutions, where rigid hierarchies are gradually giving way to more inclusive and friendly environments.
Impact on Educational Culture
The viral success of this moment extends beyond entertainment value. It represents a shift toward humanizing educational institutions and making them more relatable to younger generations. The video has inspired discussions about:
- The importance of mental health and positive environments in academic settings
- How small gestures can create lasting memories for students
- The role of social media in highlighting positive educational moments
Conclusion
The IIT Ropar Viral Professor 2025 story is more than just a fleeting internet trend. Prof. Rajeev Ahuja’s spontaneous decision to wear sunglasses with his students has created a lasting impact on how we perceive academic leadership. This moment proves that the most memorable educational experiences often come from unexpected, genuine human connections.
As educational institutions worldwide grapple with engagement challenges, Prof. Ahuja’s approach offers a simple yet powerful lesson: sometimes, saying “yes” to students’ creative requests can build bridges that last a lifetime.
Frequently Asked Questions
The viral professor is Prof. Rajeev Ahuja, the Director of IIT Ropar, who became famous for wearing sunglasses with students during the convocation ceremony in 2025.
The video went viral because it showed Prof. Ahuja’s spontaneous and fun interaction with students, breaking traditional academic formality while maintaining respect. The genuine moment resonated with millions, garnering over 20 million views within a day.
The IIT Ropar convocation 2025 became special due to Prof. Ahuja’s willingness to participate in students’ creative photo requests, including wearing sunglasses and posing in quirky poses, creating memorable moments that challenged traditional academic ceremonies.