One thing the Pathaks would surely know is what it is like to have to distinguished academicians under one roof. Gopal Pathak, professor in civil engineering, is the dean of faculties at Birla Institute of Technology, Mesra, and his better half, Neelima, heads Ranchi University's post-graduate department of Sanskrit. While Gopal, an active member of the US-based International Committee on Environmental Studies is often out of the country on work, Neelima holds the home front together, deftly balancing her role as a mother and as a university teacher.

Both being academicians, the ambience at home can scarcely be anything but academic, with discipline permeating every aspect. Their elder child Richa, an engineer in electronics and communication, is based in Bangalore, where she works with a multinational. Abhinav, who will soon complete his engineering, after which he will start working with Tata Consultancy Services.

Gopal admits he lays great stress on education. Neelima agrees: ?Every now and then he starts asking them how they are doing academically. I have to intervene to change the topic.? Till the children were in Class XII, Neelima was the one looking after their academic affairs. Once they joined engineering, Gopal started guiding them. The arrangement has worked and both children are doing exceptionally well.

In fact, it was on Gopal?s insistence that Neelima continued her education after marriage. ?I wanted her to complete her Master's degree and, later, I insisted she wrote her thesis for a Ph.D. I set the deadlines and asked her to complete writing her thesis during the summer vacation,? he claims. Being a deft time manager, Neelima did not find it very difficult. ?Being an early riser, I used to get up at 4 am and write till 7 am. Only after that would I enter the kitchen. It did not affect him as he has always been a late riser,? Neelima adds. Today, courtesy the M.A. and the Ph.D. degrees, Neelima heads the post-graduate department of Sanskrit.

While Gopal, a perfectionist, gets irritated when things are not being done in a proper manner - like when a cup is placed at the wrong end of the dining table ? Neelima has a more relaxed approach towards life. ?I like things to be organised. I am also very particular about how things are done. She tends to be more liberal,? Gopal confesses. Nilima interrupts, ?I too like things organised, but there should not be excess of anything.?

Gopal?s quest for perfection is reflected in the way he dresses, too. ?I am fond of good clothes and like to be impeccably dressed,? he admits. Neelima, on the other hand, believes in time management. ?After my morning walk, I have allotted the 6 to 8 am slot to the kitchen and at 9 am, I leave for the university,? she says. She has to cook three different breakfasts for husband, daughter and son. But it does not trouble her. ?When one has to cook, one has to cook. When one has to do something, then why do it with a sorry face.?

The couple is like chalk and cheese when it comes to hobbies. Gopal likes music and Neelima loves reading. Gopal has a soft corner for British Imperial College, London. Neelima likes ?our own Hindustan.? With all the differences of opinions, they have made a home that reflects love, understanding and discipline.

Arun Kumar Thakur