Currently serving as a faculty member at Government Post Graduate College, Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, Govind Kumar Mehra recently added another feather to his cap by securing the first rank in his category in the Madhya Pradesh Secondary Teacher selection examination.
He is an alumnus from the Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for Seva Chhatralayam, Kareli, Madhya Pradesh. Govind joined this hostel in 2007 when he was in Class 6. He then went on to complete his under graduate, post graduate and B.Ed degrees from the Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi Viswa Mahavidyalaya, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu.
Govind was a double gold medalist, bagging the Best Outgoing Student in the bachelors degree in Sanskrit as well as one for discipline across the entire university. While doing his MA degree, Govind also managed to clear the UGC-NET. Conducted by the University Grants Commission, the National Eligibility Test is an examination for determining the eligibility for the post of assistant professor and/or junior research fellow in Indian universities and colleges) examination.
Govind is from Simariya Kalan in Narsinghpur, Madhya Pradesh. “Growing up with limited resources and few educational opportunities, I dreamt of pursuing quality education, though it often felt far beyond my reach. Everything changed in 2007, when I joined the Smt. Krishna Rani Papneja AIM for Seva Chatralayam, Kareli,” he recollects.
Very soon, the Kareli hostel became his second home filled with care, discipline and encouragement. “From early morning routines to shared prayers, meals, and studies, I found a nurturing environment that shaped my values and strengthened my confidence,” sums up Govind.
Recounting his college years, Govind fondly recollects how Swami Aishvaryananda Saraswati ji (coordinator of AIM for Seva’s projects in Madhya Pradesh) visited him a few times and continued to motivate and encourage him. In fact, Swami Aishvaryananda Saraswati ji also played a key role and guided the young boy to enroll in the university in Kanchipuram when he saw Govind’s abiding interest and love for Sanskrit. “My interest in Indian culture (Sanskriti) and Sanskrit was always there and it ran deep. That was also possible due to the Chatralayam because I not only got educated but more importantly, value educated,” states Govind with a laugh.
This young man truly believes in the power of Sanskrit and its critical role in maintaining our Sanskriti (culture)! “My journey is a testament to AIM for Seva’s transformative mission. I remain deeply grateful to the Chatralayam, all teachers, staff, donors, and supporters whose guidance turned my dreams into reality. I carry their values with me and am committed to serving society with the education I was blessed to receive,” concludes Govind.