Anil Kumar Thakur had humble beginnings, coming from a lower-middle-class family, yet he harboured a dream of making it big in the academic world. With his natural talent and love for teaching, he steadily made a name for himself. His humble beginnings gave him a unique perspective, and he aimed to impart knowledge not just for financial gain, but to make a real difference in the lives of his students.
He chose Priyadharshini Iyengar as a life partner who complemented his journey—a kind-hearted and beautiful woman with her own dreams but who stood by him unfailingly. They were different in their ambitions yet united in their values and love, supporting each other unconditionally.
Together, they built a life that was centred on his dream of establishing an educational institution. In time, his institute grew from a modest set-up into a prestigious college, a place where numerous students learned and flourished under his guidance. His passion for teaching and commitment to students became the heart of the institution, shaping lives, one lesson at a time. However, the world faced an unforeseen challenge with the arrival of the Covid-19 pandemic. Like many institutions, his college was severely impacted.
With resilience, he managed to navigate these turbulent times, reopening and rebuilding the college against all odds but he unexpectedly passed away, leaving his family, students, and colleagues in deep sorrow. Like many, he too fell victim to the pandemic. His absence left a void that seemed impossible to fill. His wife, stricken with grief, found herself lost without her beloved husband. But amid the overwhelming sadness, she recognized the duty he had left behind—his dream of educating countless young minds. With a strength born of love and commitment, she vowed to carry forward his legacy, striving to keep his vision alive despite the pain she bore. Her dedication was relentless, yet her sorrow ran deep. Memories of their life together haunted her, and the love they shared, once a source of joy, now became a profound ache in her heart. Over time, the burden of grief wore her down, and she eventually passed away as well, joining her husband in eternal rest.
In a bittersweet way, their love story continued as they were reunited beyond this world. For those left behind, their passing was a profound loss. The staff and students felt a deep sense of being “shelter less,” yet they resolved to honour the couple’s memory by striving to achieve the dreams they had envisioned. It was a poignant reminder of how one person’s vision, and another’s devotion, can inspire others even after they are gone.
The founder’s life was one of vision, and his wife’s, one of love. Together, they showed the strength of unity and dedication, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire.