What started as a casual video shared in a parent WhatsApp group has blossomed into something far more meaningful for Shalini Singh, a dedicated young teacher at Daya Prakash Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Gaya, Bihar. Her soulful singing of the prayer "Man se bada bahrropi na koi" during morning assembly captured the hearts of millions across India, transforming her from an unknown educator into a beloved internet figure practically overnight.

"I never imagined I would become famous," Shalini says with genuine humility. After posting the video on Instagram on December 17, she woke the next morning to discover it had surpassed one million views. Within days, the number climbed to 10 million, then 15 million, and continued rising. The video resonated deeply with viewers who praised not only her melodious voice but also the remarkable calm and attention it created among her students.

What makes Shalini's story particularly touching is the thoughtfulness behind her teaching method. Rather than treating morning prayers as rushed formalities, she recognized an opportunity to genuinely connect with her students. Noticing their restlessness and distraction, she began teaching them to chant "Om" three times whenever they felt agitated. The immediate calming effect was remarkable.

From there, she evolved her approach, setting verses from the Bhagavad Gita to simple, memorable tunes and explaining their meaning in everyday language children could understand. "I tell them, when you sit down to study and your mind wanders to the TV or mobile games, that is your mind slipping out of control," she explains, making ancient wisdom accessible and practical for young minds.

Shalini's musical journey has its roots in her childhood, when she would accompany her father, a retired teacher who loved singing bhajans, to religious gatherings. Despite facing criticism in their small town for not having a son and for bringing his daughter to public events, her father encouraged her to ignore the negativity and focus on her art. That early lesson in perseverance has clearly served her well.

Her husband, Apurv Sumant, who teaches social science at the same school, has been her steadfast supporter, even managing her Instagram account. Together with support from her in-laws, school administration, and principal, Shalini has remained grounded despite the sudden attention.

Sunny's Take

The recognition keeps growing. Banaras Hindu University recently informed Shalini that she would receive the prestigious Madan Mohan Malviya Award, honoring her innovative approach to education. Yet through it all, she remains focused on her original mission: making spiritual and philosophical wisdom accessible to the younger generation in ways that feel relevant and meaningful to them.

Shalini's viral moment reminds us that authenticity and sincerity have a way of breaking through the noise. Her students' rapt attention in that now-famous video speaks volumes about the power of teaching with genuine care and creativity. In an age of manufactured content, sometimes the most powerful moments are the unplanned ones, captured when someone is simply doing what they love with whole-hearted dedication.

Her story beautifully illustrates how patience, faith, and commitment to serving others can lead to recognition in the most unexpected ways. That prayer she offered years ago while observing Chhath, asking for a meaningful career in music, seems to have been answered in the most wonderful way possible.