Vikas Bhargow is currently pursuing a degree in medicine (MBBS) from the Sri Aurobindo Institute of Medical Sciences, Indore, Madhya Pradhesh. His hard work and determination paid off when he cracked the NEET (National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test) exam in 2024. When Vikas scored 84% in his Class 10 CBSE exam, he attributed his success completely to AIM for Seva and his Guru, Swami Aishvaryananda Saraswati ji, coordinator of AIM for Seva’s projects in Madhya Pradesh.
From his Chatralayam years, Vikas was quite self assured and confident. He hails from a small village, Tiwadiya in Madhya Pradesh where 60 families reside in the lap of nature. Though the area is surrounded by hills, brooks and rivers, Vikas is quick to point out that the beauty stands a bit diminished due to lack of access to quality schooling!
He joined the Narmadapuram Chatralayam (Smt. Jamunabai Chanchalani AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys) in 2013 when he was 8 years old. When Vikas entered Class 6, he shifted to the Chatralayam in Indore (Bapu-Buddh AIM for Seva Chatralayam for Boys) and enrolled in a CBSE institution (Standard Public School).
From the very beginning, Vikas displayed a passion for excellence in studies. He attributes his metamorphosis completely to the Chatralayam eco system. “When I joined AIM for Seva, I was so young and innocent that I could not even differentiate between the good and bad habits of people. At AIM for Seva, I have learnt many practical lessons of life which I would have not learnt had I continued to stay back at home. At our hostels, we have a fixed schedule daily that all of us need to abide by. This helped me to become more disciplined and in the process, I have learnt the value of time.”
His second home taught him other valuable life skills. “AIM for Seva was a home for children from different cultures and background. We intermingled and at a personal level, this interaction improved my tolerance and flexibility levels.”
Vikas signs off with words of gratitude to his mentor, Swami Aishvaryananda Saraswati ji, “He was always there for me when I needed him the most.”
He is also deeply thankful and grateful to the donor support that students like him have received and continue to receive from across the globe. “I would also like to thank the donors of AIM for Seva. They have also inspired boys like us to donate something which we have. And I am sure that whenever I become successful, I will never leave the hand of AIM for Seva and always donate something to this institution whenever it is required.”
In a way, Vikas’s success reflects both his determination and the support he received from AIM for Seva during his crucial growth years. His journey from a rural village to med school is an inspiration, showing what is possible when opportunity meets effort.