ALLEN Samanayan: A Tribute to Mentors and Companions
ALLEN Samanayan 2024 serves as a platform to express gratitude to those who supported us in our early days and to reconnect with our companions from those challenging times.
Who could have imagined that a boy from the rural town of Bakani in the Bhawanimandi region of Jhalawar would rise to the position of Joint Secretary in the Government of India? Dr. Vikrant Pandey achieved this through sheer hard work and the guidance he received from ALLEN.
Dr. Pandey took coaching from ALLEN for the Rajasthan Pre-Medical Test (RPMT) in 1995 and successfully cleared it in 1996. The teachings at ALLEN stayed with him throughout his life, later aiding him in cracking the UPSC examination.
The Foundation for Life’s Competitions
Reflecting on his journey, Dr. Pandey shared, “I came from Bakani to Kota for RPMT coaching in 1995 and got selected on my first attempt in 1996. Preparing for competitive exams in Kota is challenging, but it builds a lifelong resilience for both competition and life.”
He emphasized the significant difference between school education and coaching, noting that while students initially lack clarity on the basics and understanding of questions, coaching bridges this gap. ALLEN’s coaching nurtured his readiness for competitive exams, laying a solid foundation for his successful career.
A Strong Bond with ALLEN
Dr. Pandey fondly recalled his mentors, Rajesh Maheshwari Sir and Brajesh Maheshwari Sir, who were his heroes. “Brajesh Sir taught us Physics like it was a sport, and we believed PB Saxena was the best Chemistry teacher in the country,” he said. Despite graduating from ALLEN, the institution maintained a close connection with him.
ALLEN was a pioneer in offering comprehensive coaching under one roof, setting a trend in Kota at the time. Dr. Pandey’s journey from RPMT success to cracking the Civil Services exam and becoming a District Collector was consistently supported by his mentors at ALLEN.
The Evolution of Kota and Its Coaching Industry
Over the years, Kota and its coaching industry have seen tremendous growth. Dr. Pandey reminisced, “When we were students, Kota’s coaching scene was evolving, and students were successfully cracking competitive exams. There was healthy competition among us. We rented rooms during our coaching days,”
Whereas now, there is a whole world of hostels in Kota.” He observed that while the focus during his time was on student selection in competitive exams, today’s coaching in Kota has advanced to emphasize achieving perfect scores.”
A Message for Aspiring Students
Dr. Pandey advises aspiring students to embrace perseverance, patience, hard work, smart reading, and intelligent study to enhance their capabilities for competitive exams.
He encourages students to prepare with a spirit of sportsmanship, free from fear and exhaustion. “Regardless of whether a student gets selected in a competitive exam, they should strive to become a better human being who is resilient in the face of life’s challenges,” he said.
Passing the Torch to the Next Generation
Dr. Pandey, an ALLEN Kota alumnus, has passed on the legacy to his son, who is now preparing for IIT at ALLEN Kota. Despite his son studying in Delhi, Dr. Pandey relocated him to Kota on the advice of his mentors. “My son is doing well here, and I hope he will also succeed in competitive exams with ALLEN’s guidance, just like I did,” he shared.
Exclusive Interview of Dr. Vikrant Pandey, IAS Joint Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs
