Lawyer, educator, nationalist and social worker - Vidya Bharati alumni Shri Alok Kumar Sharma shares his thoughts on national development

‘Education is not merely for future profit but an instrument to serve the society’ - Alok Kumar Sharma, Vidya Bharati Alumni.

In our modern times when everyone is running the race for their own profit and gain, there are few individuals who go beyond their responsibilities and dedicate their life for the betterment of their society. Shri Alok Kumar Sharma is one such individual. 

Mr. Sharma is an alumnus of Sarada Sishu Teertha, Suryasen Colony, Siliguri, West Bengal, where he had studied till class 5.He is an alumni of the 3rd batch to pass out from the school, after his elder sister, who was among the 1st batch alumni. He was among those students who saw the school when it had just started and was situated in a small building. He still remembers it was during his time that the new land was purchased on which the present day school stands.

By his qualification he has a degree in law and an advocate, but mainly runs his family business in Shiliguri as well as a Computer Institute on hardware and network training known as ‘Jetking Computer Institute’. He is a trustee of ‘DAV School’, Shilliguri, which he helps to run according to the model of Vidya Bharati schools. Presently he is also doing LLM and plans to do research in the future.

In the social sector Mr. Sharma regularly participates in ‘Sanskar Bharati’ events. He is associated with ‘Arya Samaj Mandir’ where he works for social and cultural upliftment. He is associated with several social projects as well including those started by the ‘Sangh’.

When asked about the reason behind his decision to study law, Mr. Sharma said that although he did not require the degree as a means to earn his livelihood, he studied law so that he can help the poor and the downtrodden in society. He pointed out that most of the time the poor do not know about their rights or how to get justice. They also cannot afford the high fees charged by the lawyers, so Mr. Sharma, studied law in order to support such people without any financial gain.

Speaking about his family Mr. Sharma, said that originally his family hailed from Haryana. His grandfather had settled in Siliguri before Indian Independence, where he started his business. Slowly, his entire family shifted to Siliguri from their village. Mr. Sharma was born and brought up in the state and he proudly considers himself to be a Bengali. 

He is attached a lot with the Bengali culture as a whole. He pointed out that this is the beauty of the Vidya Bharati and ‘Sangh’ culture, that they give importance to ‘Swabhasha’ and ‘Swadesh’.

On being asked about his suggestions to Vidya Bharati students, who wants to become lawyer in the future, Mr. Sharma pointed out that ‘Law’ is a difficult subject and one needs to be constantly update oneself with the changes taking place, thus if someone is truly dedicated, then only he/she can do well in the profession. On the other hand as a profession, law is a great subject as it has the potential to help in the development and growth of our country. According to him, if any Vidya Bharati student enters the profession, he/she would always make truth and justice their highest priority and thus bring positive changes in the society. He also suggested that other professions like journalism and teaching are two other professions that can directly impact the advancement of our country.

Speaking about his school, Mr. Sharma said that his first five years of schooling that he had spent under the guidance of Vidya Bharati has had a huge role to play in the positive development of his mind set and personality. The discipline and values taught to him during his school days has become an integral part of his life. To give a brief example, he pointed out that when they were small, they were taught by their teachers to look after and help each other. If any student did not bring tiffin the others were encouraged to sit together and share their food with each other. These small instances help the students to develop a sense of respect and service, which is a part of Vidya Bharati culture. Furthermore he urged all parents to educate their children for at least five years in Vida Bharati schools, so that they can develop into responsible citizens and good human beings. He also said that if he can guide and counsel any Vidya Bharati student, he will be happy to do so.

Lastly he hoped that if Vidya Bharati can open institutes for higher studies as well, then it will help to grow more socially responsible citizens for our country.

Vidya Bharati Purv Chatra Parishad thanks for taking out time and sharing his inspirational thoughts with the community.

If you are a Vidya Bharati alumni and would like to share your story with the community as well, please email your contact details to info@vidyabharatialumni.org and we will get in touch with you.