In recent times, the YouTube channel Physics by Pankaj Sir reached a remarkable milestone—1 million subscribers. Today, I feel like a mini-celebrity. Wherever I go, students and well-wishers approach me, asking for pictures and autographs. The overwhelming love and respect from my students have made this journey worth every struggle and hardship. I am here on this platform to share my story, from being Pankaj Kumar Srivastava to becoming the well-known Pankaj Sir.
Early Life in a Small Village
I was born on November 10, 1970, in a small village in the Shravasti district of Uttar Pradesh, India, an area deeply connected to the legacy of Gautam Buddha. However, due to my father’s government job, we had to shift to the nearby district of Gonda when I was very young. We lived in a rented house for 11 years, amidst a challenging neighborhood with few kids who valued education. My mother ensured I stayed focused on my studies, despite the lack of educational support around us.
My father’s job came with limited financial security. His salary, when he started, was a mere ₹0 per month, but we never lacked basic necessities. However, as a child, I always felt the need to provide better for my family. This sense of responsibility pushed me to aim higher, and from a young age, I was determined to earn money and make life better for my family.
Early Struggles in Education
Throughout my schooling, I consistently ranked among the top students in my class. However, I soon discovered that not all systems of education were fair. One particular incident during my ninth grade left a lasting impression on me. My science teacher invited me to check the exam papers of my classmates, including his son. I noticed errors in his son’s answers and deducted marks accordingly. However, my teacher later added those marks back, ensuring his son topped the science exam. This was my first encounter with nepotism in education, something that disturbed me deeply.
My personal challenges continued when I reached twelfth grade. I studied from a four-year-old textbook for my physics board exam, unaware that the syllabus had changed two years prior. As a result, two questions in the exam were completely unfamiliar to me, which affected my score. These early experiences with educational shortcomings motivated me to pursue teaching with integrity, ensuring my students never faced such obstacles.
The Beginning of a Teaching Journey
After completing my intermediate exams, I enrolled in a local degree college due to family responsibilities. Unable to leave my hometown, I decided to begin teaching physics and math to earn a living. I started by giving private tuition, and soon enough, I found myself teaching a small group of students.
However, the first coaching center I joined was disheartening. The chemistry teacher, who claimed to have a Master’s degree, was teaching incorrect concepts. I couldn’t bear to stay in an environment where students were being misled, so I left. This incident cemented my belief that only accurate knowledge should be passed on to students.
Teaching Under a Guava Tree: The Humble Beginning
In 1990, I began my independent teaching journey. With no classroom or resources, I started teaching under a large guava tree in my front yard. We couldn’t afford to rent a space, so I improvised, sweeping the ground under the tree, setting up old chairs, and teaching there.
Students slowly began to gather, and word spread about my classes. To reach more students, I started writing posters by hand. Using pink dye, I painted “Physics by Pankaj Sir” on white paper and posted them around local colleges. As more students joined, the classes became more structured, and I taught with great dedication— 4 a.m. to 6 a.m. and again in the evening.
Growth and Challenges
With time, my father built two more rooms in our house. One was rented out, and the other, along with a verandah, became my classroom. By 1994, I was no longer teaching under the guava tree but in this modest classroom.
Despite the growing success of my teaching career, I faced several challenges. Many students came from humble backgrounds, struggling to afford education. One student, in particular, would arrive an hour before class on his bicycle, waiting outside in the cold without a watch. His dedication inspired me to help him with a sweater and a watch. These stories of struggle were not just mine but belonged to my students as well.
Transition to Contract Work and Back to Teaching
In 1995, I ventured into contract work to improve my financial situation. The money was significantly better—5 to 10 times more than what I earned from coaching—but it came at a cost. I realized that I couldn’t give my students the attention they deserved while managing contracts. After five years, in 2000, I left contract work to focus entirely on teaching, despite the financial security it offered.
During this time, my personal life also progressed. I got married in 1997, and soon after, we were blessed with children. My focus shifted to ensuring that my children didn’t face the same financial struggles I had encountered. I worked hard to provide them with the best education possible.
Setbacks and Struggles
Like many others, I faced setbacks. One major blow came when an investment I had made to secure my children’s future collapsed. The company I trusted betrayed its investors, forcing me to sell my cars and take loans to keep my children’s education uninterrupted. Despite these difficulties, I never compromised on their studies, continuing to work hard and fulfill my role as a provider.
Embracing Technology and the Rise of Online Classes
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit in 2020, all schools and coaching centers were forced to shut down. This put my family under severe financial strain, as I had already exhausted my resources. However, my children encouraged me to adapt to the changing times and try teaching through online platforms like Zoom and Google Meet.
With limited internet access in my area, I had to overcome several hurdles, such as pulling a 400-meter-long wire to connect to the internet and using makeshift setups to record videos. Initially, the quality of my videos wasn’t great, but I gradually improved.
Today, as I stand before you with over 1 million subscribers on my YouTube channel, I look back on this journey with immense pride. The struggles, the sacrifices, and the unwavering determination have all paid off. Through every challenge, I remained committed to my core belief: that education must be honest, accurate, and accessible.
Conclusion: A Message to the Next Generation
I want to leave you with one piece of advice: Invest in your children’s education. They are the future of this country, and educating them is the best way to contribute to the nation’s development. I firmly believe that while you may eat less today, ensuring that your children receive a quality education will pay off in the future.
My journey from Pankaj Kumar Srivastava to Pankaj Sir has been filled with challenges, but it is a testament to the power of hard work, honesty, and a passion for education.
This blog captures the essence of your inspiring story, highlighting the key milestones in your journey to becoming a successful and respected educator.
FAQs
1. Who is Sanjay Sir?
Sanjay Sir is an educator from Nawabganj village, Katni district, Bihar, known for his dedication to teaching and inspiring students in rural areas. He has gained recognition for his unique teaching methods and his commitment to improving education quality in his community.
2. What subjects does Sanjay Sir teach?
Sanjay Sir primarily focuses on science subjects, particularly physics, but he is also known to provide guidance in other academic areas depending on the needs of his students.
3. What is Sanjay Sir’s teaching philosophy?
Sanjay Sir believes in practical learning and hands-on education. He emphasizes understanding concepts thoroughly rather than rote memorization, encouraging students to think critically and apply their knowledge to real-world situations.
4. How has Sanjay Sir impacted his community?
Sanjay Sir has significantly improved the quality of education in his village by providing free or affordable coaching to underprivileged students. Many of his students have gone on to excel in competitive exams and secure scholarships for higher education, bringing pride to the region.
5. Does Sanjay Sir offer online classes?
While Sanjay Sir began his teaching career in a traditional classroom setting, he has adapted to the digital age by offering online classes, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. His classes are now accessible to a wider audience through digital platforms.
6. What makes Sanjay Sir’s teaching style unique?
Sanjay Sir is known for his ability to explain complex scientific concepts in simple, relatable ways. He uses everyday examples and practical demonstrations to help students grasp difficult topics, making learning more engaging and enjoyable.
7. How has Sanjay Sir handled challenges in his teaching career?
Despite limited resources in rural areas, Sanjay Sir has shown remarkable resilience. He has creatively used available materials to teach effectively, never letting the lack of infrastructure prevent him from delivering quality education.
8. What are some of Sanjay Sir’s achievements as an educator?
Over the years, Sanjay Sir has helped hundreds of students succeed academically, with many securing top ranks in board exams and various competitive exams. His reputation as a dedicated and effective teacher has earned him respect from both students and peers.
9. How can students benefit from Sanjay Sir’s classes?
Students who attend Sanjay Sir’s classes benefit from his in-depth explanations, personalized attention, and practical approach to learning. His classes are particularly helpful for those preparing for board exams and competitive entrance tests.
10. Is Sanjay Sir involved in any social initiatives?
Yes, Sanjay Sir is actively involved in social initiatives aimed at improving education in rural areas. He has organized free coaching camps, distributed educational materials, and offered mentorship to students from economically weaker backgrounds.
11. How can I join Sanjay Sir’s classes?
Students interested in joining Sanjay Sir’s classes can contact him through local educational centers in Nawabganj, or follow his online sessions if available on digital platforms like YouTube.
12. What is the secret to Sanjay Sir’s popularity as a teacher?
Sanjay Sir’s popularity stems from his genuine passion for teaching, his ability to connect with students, and his commitment to ensuring that every student receives the guidance they need to succeed.
