Gems of Indian Fisheries: Dr PSBR James

Dr PSBR James in the centre in one of conferences organized by Dr Y Basavaraju in 2001. Dr Grahm C Miar, Dr Lakra, Dr Jayaraj, Dr Poojary, Mr Thippeswamy, Mr Yaragal, Dr Vasudevappa and many are seen

It is unfortunate for me to write again in the same lines of junior James. When I was attending the classes of Dr Mohan Joseph, Dr Shantha Joseph, Dr Radhakrishna, Dr Jayabalan, Dr Chandra Mohan and Dr S M Shivaprakash...many times they used to refer Dr PSBR James. I just remembered this name only for long initials. In the first year of degree program only, I became very close to his son Dr Vijay Anand. He taught us painting, mime, collage, dumb charades etc. I was a great follower of Dr Vijay Anand. Later, destiny of life separated us physically but we were in touch. In 2001, Dr Y Basvaraju organized international conference at Bangalore. I started interacting with sir. In the year 2005 Dr C Vasudevappa and team was organizing 7^th Indian Fisheries Forum at Bangalore. To assist them I was called on to Bangalore from Mandya. This is the time I started meeting Dr PSBR James very often. Since I was young, I was asked to escort him. During a long journey in Bangalore traffic 99% of the journey he used to speak. I just used to nod and say yes to all. Initially, I thought he was a Keralite. But I came to know that they were from Andhra Pradesh. At times, I used to speak to him in Telugu. Many a times, I used to gather my strength and argue on some of the issues. But he used to asked me refer his own books, papers published 20 years back. In any conference, sir was the first person to ask question...they used to be lengthy..but no one had guts to stop in the middle. Twice, I interrupted him and asked the microphone. He was furious about my act. Seniors intervened and calmed the situation.

               In the year 2009, sir called me over phone and asked me to see him at his residence. I went there. Sir gave me all his books which were enough to make a small library. All were his personal collections. They were transported to Main Research Station, Hebbal. They are nicely arranged along with the books donated by Dr KV Deveraj.

               Once, Dr Vijay Anand tried to introduce me to his dad and said that Shivakumar is very active naana. Sir said, I know this boy...quite active.. that’s why he is with you. I have written many times that “Genes never cheat”. Dr Vijay Anand also intelligent like his dad made his indelible mark wherever he has worked. I cannot complete this story logically. I loved both the Gems. Dr PSBR Gems worth keeping on the fisheries crown.