A Song that Echoed Across Time: Prof. R. Natarajan’s IIT Madras Journey

For some, IIT Madras is a prestigious educational institution. But for those who have walked its tree-lined avenues, spent sleepless nights in its hostels, and built lifelong friendships within its walls, it is a home away from home. It is a place where one enters as a wide-eyed teenager and leaves as an adult, shaped by the lived experiences, challenges, and discoveries that are unique to this beautiful campus. Among those who found their calling within this sanctuary of learning and camaraderie is Prof. R. Natarajan (1980/BT/ME), fondly known as “Nattie” to his batchmates.

The Journey of Self-Discovery
Like many others, Prof. Natarajan arrived at IIT Madras with dreams of academic excellence. But what he hadn’t anticipated was that the campus would also nurture a hidden passion within him.

“I was interested in singing, both Carnatic and light music, but I had never performed on stage before,” he recalls.

That changed when his batchmates, a group of enthusiastic and supportive peers, saw his potential and encouraged him to step onto the stage. At IIT Madras, talent never goes unnoticed; friendships forged here often become the force that pushes one towards unexplored horizons. It was this collective belief in his abilities that led him to perform at Hostel Days, Inter-hostel competitions, and eventually represent IIT Madras at Inter-collegiate competitions. Winning a few prizes along the way only fueled his passion further.

“IITM is special because it helps you grow holistically. Beyond academics, you get to pursue your interests—be it sports, arts, or cultural activities. And the best part? You’re never alone in that journey,” he says.

One of the defining moments of Prof. Natarajan’s journey at IIT Madras took place at the Central Lecture Theatre (CLT). It was 1978, and he was representing Ganga hostel in the Carnatic music category of the Inter-hostel competition. Nervous yet excited, he took to the stage and performed a Muthuswami Dikshitar krithi in front of a panel of judges. He won a prize that day, but more importantly, he won something that would stay with him for life—confidence.

“I still remember that moment so vividly—the thrill of performing, the adrenaline rush, the sheer joy of expressing myself through music. That stage was where I truly found my voice,” he reminisces.

The Song That Echoed After 46 Years
Fast forward to 2024, and destiny brought him back to the same stage, in the same venue, singing the same song.

On November 2, IIT Madras’ Music Club, in association with the Classical Arts Club, hosted an event in memory of Carnatic music legends Shyama Shastri and Muthuswami Dikshitar. As an alumnus, Prof. Natarajan signed up to perform—this time, not to compete, but to relive a cherished memory.

“The moment I stood there, it was like stepping back in time. The same CLT, the same song, and a flood of emotions. It was a goosebumps moment, reliving something that happened 46 years ago,” he shares, his voice tinged with nostalgia.

Life often comes full circle, and for Prof. Natarajan, this was one of those rare, magical instances. As his voice echoed through the auditorium once more, it wasn’t just a song—it was a story, a memory, a piece of his IIT Madras journey that had stood the test of time.

From a hesitant student nudged onto the stage by friends to an alumnus returning to sing for the pure joy of it, his journey is a testament to the spirit of IIT Madras. Here, passions are discovered, friendships forged destinies, and some moments—like a song in CLT—become immortal.

Prof. R. Natarajan holds a B.Tech degree in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Madras (1975-80 batch) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Management from IIM Bangalore (1983-85 batch).

He has over 30 years’ experience in Supply chain, Operations, and Logistics in India and abroad, including leadership roles such as Supply Chain Director. His special expertise is on JIT Inventory, Lean Logistics, Jidoka, TQM & Toyota storage techniques including training through simulation models/games developed to demonstrate the concepts; gained working knowledge through regular interface with Toyota Motor Corporation. He possesses a strong drive to adapt innovative spirit of Kaizen – continuous improvement.

Besides, he has gained teaching experience in the last 10 years, primarily with MBA students,

and has conducted several training programs for corporates. His teaching interests are in the areas of Operations Management, Project Management, and Supply Chain Management.