Vidya Bharati alumni from Uttar Pradesh and archaeological research scholar, Dr.Vijay Kumar -shares his passion for unearthing the hidden history of Indian culture

From early childhood, Dr. Vijay Kumar was an ardent follower of Indian history and culture. His innate curiosity was further inflamed while studying under Vidya Bharati schools. Recently he talked about his experiences via an interview, which has been given below.

Interviewer:  Please tell us about your academic and professional background.

Vijay:  My schooling till 10th was under Vidya Bharati schools. Firstly I studied in Saraswati Shishu Mandir and then switched to Krishna Bal Vidya Mandir Inter College, Mangupura Moradabad. Later I joined senior secondary school in Bareilly from where I cleared my 12th. I did graduation in archaeology and museology from Prayagraj. My post-graduation was from Delhi Institute of Heritage Research and Management in Master of Archaeology and Heritage Management. The institute is affiliated to Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University. Recently I have just completed my PhD in archaeology from University of Allahabad. In future I plan to apply for the post of lecturer in different universities.

Interviewer: What made you take up archaeology as your research subject?

Vijay: From a very young age, I have been extremely interested in our Indian history and culture. During the past ages, the authenticity of our history has been distorted and the actual facts have been modified as per the convenience of subsequent foreign rulers. It is important to do research on them and establish the truth. A culture that doesn't have the strength of history can be easily destroyed.

Interviewer: What advice would you give to any student who would like to take up this profession in the future?

Vijay: First and foremost, a student needs to successfully complete his/her schooling. After that one can take up archaeology from graduation level itself, but it is better to do graduation in history first and then take up specialization during the masters. In this profession higher education is a must and one has to complete his/ her PhD.

After studies one can join ASI (Archaeological Survey of India), become an independent researcher, work in museums, join the tourism department, become a professor etc. There is a lot of scope for this offbeat subject, but one has to be prepared for hard work.

Interviewer: Tell us something about the impact that your school has had on your life?

Vijay: It was my school that had developed the deep love and respect for our Indian culture and history. If I had not studied in Vidya Bharati School, maybe I would not have become so attached to this subject. I consider myself truly lucky to have received the opportunity to study under Vidya Bharati and as a result I have been able to connect with my roots

Interviewer: What about your family? Please tell us something about them.

Vijay:  Our native place is in Shamli district of Uttar Pradesh. I come from a joint family, consisting of the families of my four uncles, my grandmother, my father and mother. Originally we are a farming family. 

Would you like to give any message to your school or Vidya Bharati students?

Vijay:  I feel that one of the biggest mistakes that was done in the education sector after independence was not developing educational institutions that incorporate the importance of Indian culture in the educational system. As a result the pride in one’s culture and sense of nationalism has weakened among the Indian population. Vidya Bharati at least is trying to re-establish the pride of our rich heritage among the next generation of students and I sincerely hope they grow from strength to strength.

For the students I would like to say that work hard and no matter what profession you are in, always devote your energy towards the development of our country.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks Dr. Vijay Kumar for sharing his inspirational thoughts with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati student and would like to share your achievements and experiences, kindly email us at info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.