Sunil Kumar â Historian and Mentor Gone Too Soon
Sunil was indeed a demanding professor, but one who brought out the best in you.
Sunil Kumar and the author next to Iltutmish's tomb in Delhi, 2009. Photo: Author provided
History19/Jan/2021
It was meant to be a celebration of decades of teaching, scholarship and mentorship. It was supposed to be a chance for the large community of scholars influenced, cajoled and challenged by Sunil Kumar to reminisce, laugh and most importantly, to learn. Even as it became apparent that the gathering would have to be online, the retirement party would still be a great opportunity to get Sunilâs many students, colleagues and friends together, and celebrate the person whose kindness, generosity and intellect had touched many lives in small and big ways. Sunil e-mailed me on January 7 to confirm that âsometime around May would be a lovely time for this eventâ.