LUCKNOW: Class 12 results are yet to be announced, but Anand Krishna, 17, popular as ‘Chhote Masterji’ among Lucknow’s underprivileged kids whom he groomed through his innovative programme — ‘Bal Chaupal’ — has secured admission at Arizona State University to pursue honours in computer sciences.
Twice nominated for International Peace Award and recipient of a gold medal at the International Youth Festival, the feisty boy diligently completes school homework before dusk settles on large swathes of hutments to don the mantle of a teacher.
High on creativity and fun quotient, his ‘Bal Chaupal’ helped revolutionise the concept of education.
Son of police parents, Anoop Mishra and Reena Pandey, Anand began his ‘Bal Chaupal’ in 2012 when he was in Class 4.
In 10 years, he spread his reach over 180 villages of Lucknow and adjoining districts.
Till date, Anand ensured admission of 858 students in various schools and motivated more than 50,000 kids to take up studies.
Anand said, he made the cut at 24 top global universities, including two from Canada, but chose Arizona State University due to its higher rank in honour programmes.
And on August 19, he would be entering its august precincts.
“My interest in computers grew since infancy when I would accompany my mother to the police telecom office, where she would teach me computer programmes,” Anand said.
But his admission in a US university triggered mixed emotions.
“It’s a moment of joy and sorrow for us.
Bhaiya (Anand) is going to receive good education, but he will be away from us.
We wish him the best for his future endeavours,” said Rahul Kumar, a Class 8 student at a government school near RDSO.
Their tryst began five years ago when Anand noticed Rahul helping his brother load heavy equipment.
It was only after Anand’s dogged persuasion that Rahul’s father, who does menial jobs for a living, enrolled him at a government school.
Another student, Reena said, Anand’s ‘Bal Chaupal’ was never restricted to books as he gave lessons on morality too.
“His efforts helped poverty-stricken children to study and become aware of social responsibilities,” she said, adding classes have been suspended since the pandemic struck.
Anand appeared for TOEFL, an English proficiency test for pursuing a course abroad, in November last year.
He scored 104 of 120 marks and applied for admission in Arizona University.
Based on his educational achievements and co-curricular activities, he received a call the same month.
Due to Covid, the Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT) wasn’t conducted.
Anand’s contribution to education was recognized in 2015 by Uttarakhand government, which gave him the Youth Icon award.
In 2019, he was awarded the LMA Young Achievers’ Award and received a gold medal for his ‘Bal Chaupal’ at the International Youth Festival.
Also, Anand has to his credit 12 golds, 1silver and 6 bronze medals in Olympiads.