David Baker, professor of history at St Stephens, no more

NEW DELHI: David Baker, who taught history at St Stephen’s College, Delhi University, since 1969 died on Monday in his accommodation on campus. He was 89.

According to the Indian Express, St. Stephen’s principal John Varghese announced Baker’s death to students, alumni, and teachers, “It is with deep sorrow that I inform all of us of the passing away of Dr Baker, senior most and beloved teacher of this College (from 1969 onwards) in the early hours of August 23, 2021.”

Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from many generations of St. Stephen’s alumni.

An alumni group posted on Twitter: “The living legend of St Stephen's passed away last night. #RiP Dr David Baker, professor of history, an institution in his own right. Truly the end of an era.”

The living legend of St Stephen's passed away last night. #RiP Dr David Baker, professor of history, an institution in his own right. Truly the end of an era. https://t.co/PgQWdBHi4X

— Stephanians (@CafeSSC) August 23, 2021

The alumni quotes a 2018 post from Lok Sabha MP from Congress, Shashi Tharoor in which he said Baker was his “block tutor” in 1972 and hand taken the 16 year-old Tharoor “under his wing”

Another alumnus of St Stephens said: “RIP, Baker saheb. A man of great wisdom, compassion, discipline - besides love for @cafessc. Though we met quite often, here was a humanist who always wished to have met one more time.”

Another student fondly recalled Baker's habit of slipping notes under the doors of students who forgot to sign the register. “He was my Block Tutor in my first year. An amazing person. Have fond memories of the notes he would slip under the door when we missed signing the Reg. No one would dare enter the dining hall in shorts when he was at the high table. Rest in peace Dr David Baker,” wrote George Mathew.”

He was my Block Tutor in my first year. An amazing person. Have fond memories of the notes he would slip under the door when we missed signing the Reg. No one would dare enter the dining hall in shorts when he was at the high table. Rest in peace Dr David Baker.

— George Mathew (@SGMathew) August 23, 2021

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