How a late-night submission turned into a viral life lesson from a DU professor

A routine late-night assignment submission turned into a viral reminder about health and balance after a Delhi University professor’s response resonated online. When a student sent in their work at 3:49 am, Dr. Kavita Kamboj responded with a message that was both encouraging and thoughtful, stressing that hard work should never come at the expense of sleep and well-being.

The professor’s reminder

Dr. Kavita Kamboj, Assistant Professor at Kirori Mal College, shared on LinkedIn that she had received an assignment from a student at 3:49 am. While she acknowledged the student’s effort, she pointed out that such dedication should not cost one’s rest. In her post, she wrote:

“Dear students, there is no need to sacrifice your sleep for work that can always be managed with better planning. One of my students submitted an assigned task to me at 3:49 am. While the dedication is admirable, it comes at the cost of health. Without proper rest, even the best efforts lose their meaning. Plan your day well. Sleep well. Work with energy and clarity. Your well-being matters more than deadlines.”

Her message to the student

Along with her post, Dr. Kamboj also shared the reply she sent to the student. It reflected both appreciation and concern: “You have done a wonderful job. The way you include each minute detail is commendable. Just one request, you don’t need to work long hours. You can always make extra time without giving up your sleep. If you sacrifice your rest for work, it makes no sense. I am always here for any help. Give me a call after having a good sleep and breakfast.”

Reactions on LinkedIn

The post quickly gained traction, drawing admiration from many users for her compassionate approach. One user wrote, “I deeply respect your opinion, ma’am.” Another commented, “Empathy has long been missing in education. Teachers like you show what real guidance looks like.” Others added, “Teachers like you are a blessing in disguise,” and “It is certainly a blessing to have mentors who genuinely care for their students’ well-being.”

A lesson beyond deadlines

The exchange has since been widely shared as a reminder that sleep and self-care should not be compromised in the race to meet academic deadlines. As Dr. Kamboj emphasized, health and mental clarity matter far more than working into the late hours of the night.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a user-generated post on LinkedIn. ET.com has not independently verified the claims made in the post and does not vouch for their accuracy. The views expressed are those of the individual and do not necessarily reflect the views of ET.com. Reader discretion is advised.

[With TOI inputs]