Ailing Ex-NDA Professor Reduced to Begging, Army Steps In After Viral Video
By Radhika Sharma
Agra/Pune, 5th May 2026: In the narrow lanes of Nagla Padi, where life moves quietly and without fanfare, the story of a frail yet eloquent 79-year-old man has stirred emotions across the country. Dr Santosh Goyal, who claims to have once taught English at the National Defence Academy (NDA), is today at the centre of both official scrutiny and a wave of public empathy—his life reflecting a striking contrast between past scholarship and present hardship.
The story surfaced through a viral video recorded by GST Additional Commissioner Ajay Mishra. In it, Dr Goyal, visually impaired and leaning on a walking stick, spoke in fluent English about his academic journey. He said he earned a PhD in English in 1971 and later joined the NDA in Khadakwasla, Pune, where he taught for three years. According to him, his students went on to become officers in the Indian Army.
What made the video compelling was not just his claim, but his command over the subject. Dr Goyal referenced Shakespeare, English literature, and grammar with ease, displaying the depth of a seasoned educator. In another widely circulated clip, he was seen holding small currency notes—donations from passersby—while continuing to teach students informally, often free of cost, near a temple where he spent much of his time.
As the videos spread rapidly across social media, they triggered both admiration and concern. Many users questioned how a man with such credentials could be living in poverty, tagging Indian Army officials and urging immediate intervention.
Responding to the growing public outcry, Indian Army personnel, including members of the Shatrujeet Brigade, reached Nagla Padi on May 4, 2026. Dr Goyal was located at a residence, questioned briefly, and then taken along for medical evaluation and care. He has since been admitted to a military hospital, where he is currently undergoing treatment. Officials have also initiated a verification process to establish the authenticity of his claims about serving at the NDA.
Dr Goyal had earlier stated that his deteriorating eyesight forced him out of service on medical grounds, cutting short his career. He claimed that had he completed 15 years in service, he would have been eligible for a monthly pension of Rs 70,000 to Rs 80,000. Instead, his early exit reportedly left him without financial security, pushing him into decades of struggle.
Locals describe his life as one of quiet resilience. He is said to have lived in or around a temple, occasionally taking shelter in nearby homes at night. Despite his limited means, he continued to share his knowledge with anyone willing to learn, maintaining a sense of dignity even in adversity.
The Army’s swift response has been widely appreciated online, with many highlighting its ethos of “leaving no one behind.” Veterans and citizens alike praised the intervention, noting how social media amplification translated into real-world action within hours.
