A lecture by former IIT Madras professor Prof. Balki has taken social media by storm, and thousands of viewers praised him for his excellent teaching style.
Prof. Balki’s presentation was unlike today’s PowerPoint slides, animations, and prepared notes in that he was talking from memory, only having a whiteboard, knowledge, and a clear understanding of complex concepts.
The viral clip has stirred up admiration across platforms, with people describing him as a “legend” and praising him for his confidence, depth of understanding, and old-school teaching methods.
So beautiful to listen to. If only youth came with the wisdom we gain later in life.
— The Finder (@WhoShivaisnot) July 27, 2026
IIT Prof. V Balakrishnan - teaching classical physics. pic.twitter.com/DwqGFAxxso
Many people said the lecture reminded them that good education depends more on a teacher’s knowledge of the subject not just the presentation tools than on sophisticated presentation tools.
Prof. Balki, a retired professor at IIT Madras, is well-known in the school for how he teaches knowledge in the classroom and the methods he teaches. He did not need to refer to notes or visual aids during the now-viral lecture and explained things very well.
Social media users were quick to compare his teaching style with today’s reliance on presentation software. Many posts argued that technology can enhance learning, but it cannot substitute a great teacher’s deep knowledge of the subject. Comments like “What a legend,” “Pure knowledge,” and “This is how great professors teach” flooded X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn, and YouTube.
The viral moment has also revived debate on the changing landscape of education. Digital tools are useful to teachers for visualization and accessibility, but it’s just as important that teaching is not just about simplifying hard concepts, making critical thinking, and inspiring curiosity, but rather to make it more accessible.
Prof. Balki’s lecture is being celebrated for the timelessness of these qualities.
Students who have heard lectures by experienced professors often point out that memorable classes are rarely about flashy slides.
In reality, they remember teachers who could talk about difficult topics through stories, analogies, and real-world applications. And Prof. Balki’s lecture seems to be an embodiment of that philosophy.
The video has gained popularity among students younger than him who don’t know what is going on in his school life. So many people look up his lectures and educational material online. His viral fame shows authentic expertise is very much alive and well, even in the age of digital content.
And education experts also say teaching without notes takes years of preparation, continuous learning, and complete command over the subject.
And those lectures can’t be improvised; they’re the product of decades of academic experience and dedication.
With the clip getting millions of views as well, Prof. Balki has transformed from a teaching model to a symbol of passion.
His lecture has shown us that technology is changing things, but the essence of education is knowledge, clarity, and inspiring students.
Great teachers in a classroom or online make the most of what they know, not how many slides there are.
