Tribute by Prof. Elise del Rosario
President, Operational
Research Society of Philippines
It is not very often that you meet
a person for whom you develop a deep respect only after knowing him or her
for a while.
This is what happened when I met
and corresponded with Professor M.C. Puri for the APORS 2003. Having
organized the APORS 2006 myself, I know how hectic the schedule can become, and
it is a very easy thing to gloss over correspondences and to say you
"will attend to a request later." I guess, this was not the case
for Professor Puri, judging from how prompt he attended to all my requests
and queries. I realized only now how dedicated and focused one has to be
to be able to attend promptly and effectively to all the demands on
the head organizer of such a huge event.
After all the emails, I set out
for New Delhi, with an image of the APORS 03 Chair as one of
a distinguished-looking gentleman. Then I met Prof M.C. Puri. He was
indeed a distinguished gentleman, with emphasis on the word "gentle".
All the images I had of him were further enhanced by my daily
interactions in the course of the conference. He was assertive, but
not aggressive, owing up to the shortcomings and problems that
the delegates may have faced. He was always calm, and it was my impression
that there was no problem big enough to make him lose his composure. He
was big enough to own up to the responsibilities and problems, and
yet deflect compliments to his co-organizers.
The APORS 03, which he chaired,
became for me the standard with which to measure the APORS 06.
Whatever success we reaped at the APORS 06 was in part inspired by focus and
dedication of Prof. Puri.
And so, Prof. Puri, thank you!
Prof. Elise del Rosario
President
Operational
Research Society of Philippines
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