From a Teacher to a part-time Tour Guide - Govindji

Travelling is a teacher in itself. That too one of the best. It not only teaches you about places, cultures, histories, and cuisines but also about people. And while in the process of learning from traveling if you happen to end up knowing a person much more closely than you expected it is no doubt a blessing in disguise.

Govindji, my local tour guide from Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India not only enlightened me about various sightseeing around the historical city as he took me on a whole day tour but also showed me his real self. This piece is dedicated purely to a man who is a teacher in his own right.

Having completed his schooling at the Government School in Orchha, he pursued his graduation from Jiwaji University, Gwalior. With his knack for teaching, he ended up with a job of tutoring students in various Science subjects including Mathematics and English. For ten years between 2000 to 2010, he dedicated himself to educating young minds and thereby paving their future.

During one of his classes, a local leader brought some foreigners to show how teachings are conducted. That was his first brush with the tourism industry. Next thing he knows that one fine day Mr. Parwatlal Ramraja, a restaurant owner from Orchha requested him to take a group of tourists sightseeing. When one small action will become the call for your life you never know. Exactly that happened with Govindji. He discovered the joy of teaching the tourists about the wonders of Orchha. His calling as a teacher found a new vent in life. He later joined Mr. Mahipat Bhatiji to continue with his part-time job as a tour guide

One exceptional thing that I cannot help but mention here is I noticed that wherever we went, locals called out to Govindji or greeted him with folded hands. Curious I asked him the reason. Smiling he informed me he was representing in the upcoming election. Ahhh, no wonder he was a popular man! Now if you are wondering what happened with the election results. He lost! (I know because I am still in touch with him). But I know is already a winner in my heart because for me he was not just a tour guide but a teacher. If you are ever in Orchha, just ask around and you shall find Govindji.