Kerala Man Who Studied Vedas in Gurukula Cracks JEE and Becomes ISRO Scientist

Kerala’s Govind Krishnan M has walked a path that is both remarkable and motivating, starting with learning the Vedas in a traditional gurukula and ending up as a scientist at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

After completing Class 4, Govind left mainstream schooling and devoted several years to studying the Yajurveda within the traditional gurukula system. Years afterward, he re-entered mainstream education, passed the fiercely competitive JEE Advanced examination, and subsequently studied at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST).

His academic path ultimately led him to ISRO’s Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) in Thiruvananthapuram, where the space agency’s Centralised Recruitment Board process selected him as a scientist.

Govind’s Vedic Education

In 2011, Govind’s journey took a new direction when his father, Hareesh Kumar, a former Indian Navy officer, enrolled him at Bhramaswam Madham in Thrissur. At that point, Govind was about 10 years old.

Over the following four years, he studied the Yajurveda under the gurukula system. His day typically started around 5 am with Vedic chanting and spiritual practices. Much of his learning was oral, quite unlike education in a modern classroom. Students paid close attention to their guru and committed verses to memory through repeated practice.

At first, the experience was not easy for Govind. Being separated from his family at such a young age was hard, yet he slowly adjusted to the disciplined way of life. As he later remarked, the experience helped sharpen his concentration and discipline.

Balancing Two Education Systems

After four years, Govind went back to mainstream schooling while keeping up his Vedic education. His time was split between the two systems. He went to regular school during the day and gave his mornings and evenings to Vedic studies.

Even with this demanding schedule, Govind did exceptionally well in school. He finished Class 10 with full A+ grades. He subsequently enrolled at Alva’s College in Moodbidri, where he got ready for engineering entrance exams.

From JEE to Space Science

Govind passed both JEE Main and JEE Advanced, paving the way for him to study engineering at one of India’s top institutions dedicated to space and technology. He gained admission to the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, where he pursued a BTech in Electronics and Communication.

His academic achievements ultimately helped him advance toward his long-term career in the space sector. Govind was subsequently chosen through ISRO’s Centralised Recruitment Board process and became a scientist at the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre in Thiruvananthapuram.

Balancing Spirituality and Science

Govind’s path stands out not just because of his unconventional education but also because of how he perceives his two worlds. He does not regard spirituality and science as opposing forces. Rather, he feels that the discipline built through his early education aided him in his academic and professional journey.

“People often think spirituality and science don’t mix. But I’ve proven they can. It’s all about balance and discipline,” Govind said.

His journey from a traditional gurukula in Thrissur to one of India’s leading space research centres provides an unusual example of how different forms of education can shape a person’s life. For Govind, the lessons of concentration, discipline and perseverance learned as a young Vedic student have carried over into his career in space science.