Overview

• A routinely disengaged student surprised the class by firing consecutive questions during Professor Mridul Anand’s lecture, triggering a 20-minute back-and-forth.
• Anand’s smartwatch flagged an abnormal heart rate as he grappled with whether the student was testing him or genuinely seeking understanding.
• After class, the student revealed he had struggled with public speaking and seized this moment to overcome self-doubt following a placement setback.
• Reflecting on the encounter, Anand acknowledged his misinterpretation of intent and urged educators to welcome questions as opportunities rather than challenges.
• The professor’s candid account has gone viral on LinkedIn, earning widespread acclaim for highlighting both the student’s bravery and the need for empathy in academia.