Academic Pursuit
A Student of Teachers
- A K Sharma Academic Pursuit-Studied in the science stream till Higher Secondary at DAV Inter College, Mau. Passed 10th & 12th from this school of UP Board in first class with science stream and with distinction in a number of science subjects.
- After Higher Secondary, I moved to Allahabad University. (Oxford of the East!)
- Pursued graduation (BA) in Political Science, Philosophy & Economics with first class.
- Pursued post-graduation (MA) in Political Science from Allahabad University with first class and stood as second topper.
- I got enrolled as a Research fellow (D. Phil) with UGC fellowship.
- At this time, I was also engaged as a lecturer in the department of Political science.
While in the Allahabad University, I used to compose and recite poetry and gazhals. I was particularly biased towards the works of Jagjit & Chitra Singh. Student life and uncertainties back then led many to believe in such verses.
” ऐ ख़ुदा रेत के सहरा को समंदर कर दे; मेरी चादर मेरे पैरों के बराबर कर दे “
I also, used to stage dramas, skits, and short plays. Fondly remember conceptualizing, directing, and staging the skit based on Hari Shankar Parsai’s satire on our Police System “Inspector Mata Deen Chand par”. I played the role of Inspector Matadeen in the skit.
After the play, a teacher lovingly remarked “Arvind, you did the play so well. You can make an excellent Police Inspector”. Hearing this, my Head of the Department (HOD) Mr. HM Jain remarked “Why Inspector? he will become an Inspector General!”. This was during my final year of post-graduation.
After completing MA and while preparing for UPSC, one evening I went to pay my regards to Mr. Jain, the HOD. At the outset, he admonished me for not having visited in long. He then asked me if I would like to teach in the department. I did not quite understand. He went on to explain that there were vacancies in the department and if I were willing to teach, I could be considered. From the very next day, I joined the teaching faculty and started teaching ‘Indian Polity’ (Indian Constitution, etc.). Even after selection in the IAS, Mr. Jain tried to retain me in the department. When I did not agree, he said ok you can come back here any time!
- I was selected for the IAS in mid of 1988 and thereafter left the University.
- I completed my Master of Public Policy (MPP) Course with ‘Merit’ from Australian National University (ANU) Canberra, Australia in 2006. This had specialization in International Policy and was done with Distinction/High Distinction in all the papers.