The quiet morning prayer at a school in Bihar has echoed across the nation, turning an unassuming teacher into an icon of sincere artistry. Shalini Singh, a teacher at Daya Prakash Saraswati Vidya Mandir in Gaya, never anticipated fame, but a simple video she posted on December 18 changed everything almost overnight.
From WhatsApp Group to Viral Sensation
Shalini Singh uploaded a video of herself singing a devotional song during the school's morning assembly, intending to share it only with parents. The clip, featuring her mellifluous rendition of 'Man se bada bahrropi na koi...' with rows of captivated students, was also posted on her Instagram. By the next morning, views had skyrocketed past one million. Within days, the count climbed to 10 million, then 15 million, leaving Shalini in a state of quiet disbelief.
"I had recorded it only to share in the class parents’ WhatsApp group," Shalini recounts, her voice reflecting a childlike innocence. "When I woke up next morning, it had crossed one million views. It felt as if my sadhana for music and my love for children had finally found its moment." The video's power lay not in performance, but in its palpable sincerity and the rare stillness of the listening children, striking a chord with millions nationwide.
The Pedagogy of Peace: Teaching Gita Through Song
Behind the viral moment lies a thoughtful teaching philosophy. Observing distracted students during hurried prayers, Shalini sought a solution. Instead of reprimands, she began using music as a tool for focus and wisdom. She started with having children chant 'Om' three times to calm down, noticing an instant effect.
Her innovative approach evolved into setting shlokas from the Bhagavad Gita to simple tunes and explaining their meaning in everyday language. "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. This method transformed abstract philosophy into relatable, lived wisdom for her young students, who now eagerly request her songs even outside her class periods.
A Journey Rooted in Faith and Perseverance
Shalini's faith in music was forged through personal trials. She recalls a poignant moment during her first Chhath fast before marriage, standing shivering in water, praying to Chhathi Maiya for a career recognized through music. "It was a vague, quiet prayer. But I feel God listened," she says.
Her path was paved with societal challenges. As one of three sisters, her family faced taunts for not having a son. Her father, a retired teacher and music lover, faced disrespect for taking her to sing at jagarans. He became her pillar, advising her to ignore the noise and focus on her art. Today, that focus has borne fruit in an unexpected way.
The recognition culminated in a call from Banaras Hindu University (BHU) informing that Shalini would be honoured with the prestigious Madan Mohan Malviya Award. Through it all, she remains grounded, supported by her husband and colleague Apurv Sumant—who manages her Instagram—her in-laws, school, and principal. Her goal remains unchanged: to make the deep knowledge of scriptures accessible and meaningful for the younger generation.
Shalini Singh's story transcends viral fame. It is a testament to how talent, guided by sincerity, service, and perseverance, finds its purpose—sometimes quietly, sometimes suddenly, but always meaningfully.
