Once an NDA instructor, he lost his eyesight and began to live alone in a temple: Meet Dr Santosh Goyal, ex-NDA instructor who continued to serve India, despite being failed by the system

Every country is full of patriotic people, those who are willing to sacrifice their lives for their country, or devote their all to its growth. While many of these get recognised with awards and accolades, others are at times, failed by the system.

One such person is Dr Santosh Goyal, a man who dedicated his entire life to serving India and became a testament to human endurance and knowledge.

Who is Dr Santosh Goyal?

In a video going viral on the internet, a man can be seen being ushered into an army jeep by some army personnel. That man is none other than Dr Santosh Goyal. A distinguished PhD holder in English and a former instructor at the National Defence Academy (NDA), he once shaped the intellectual foundations of future Indian Army officers. Today, at the age of 79, he continued to impart wisdom. But not from the halls of an NDA station, from the confines of a temple in Agra. Dr Goyal earned his PhD in English in 1971, establishing himself as a scholar of considerable merit. Following his doctorate, he joined the Education Corps of the Indian Army and served as an instructor at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, Pune. For three years, he taught English literature, grammar and critical analysis to officer cadets who would go on to serve the nation.

Many of his students went on to attain senior ranks crediting him in their development. His ability to explain the complex meaning of Shakespeare's Hamlet to Milton's Paradise Lost equipped future officers with linguistic proficiency and analytical reasoning abilities.

The fight for survival

Tragedy struck when Dr Goyal developed a severe and progressive eye condition that ultimately rendered him completely blind. While serving at NDA, this medical affliction rendered him unfit for continued duty.

He was medically boarded out of service on health grounds. Since his tenure did not meet the minimum service period required for full pension benefits, he received no substantial retirement pension, plunging him into unexpected financial and personal distress.The sudden transition from a position of dignity to one of vulnerability left him fighting for stability. However, Dr Goyal did not back down and persisted through it all.

Following his discharge, he returned to Agra, Uttar Pradesh, his native region. He took up residence at a temple in the Nagla Padi locality. He slept on the premises and relied on the kindness of the local devotees to subsist. But despite the adversities, he refused to stop his journey of imparting education. Seated at the temple, he delivered lessons on literature and grammar to his students, which included students pursuing Master's degrees in English, all free of charge.

Recognition and safety

In early May 2026, videos of Dr Goyal were circulated widely on platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X, YouTube and more. Conducted by Ajay Mishra, Additional Commissioner in the GST department, the recording captured the measured recounting of his PhD achievement, NDA service, eyesight loss, and continued teaching efforts.The story quickly gained traction online with many questioning how a former NDA instructor could face such hardship with no provision of a pension.

Soon, the Indian Army took direct action. Personnel from the 60 Para unit, operating under the Agra division visited Dr Goyal at the temple. They relocated him into their care and as per reports, he is now receiving appropriate support.

Social media reactions

Numerous social media users were moved by Dr Goyal's life and story. They appreciated his contribution in imparting knowledge to the future of the country, despite his own personal struggles. "We too salute this great teacher,who taught in the Defence Academy,to raise our forces, who after losing eyesight still continue to teach children," wrote a user. "I appreciate both Dr Goyal and the Indian army" added another. "Such dedicated teachers deserve better from our country. Heartbreaking" one remarked. Dr Goyal's life encapsulates the unpredictability of circumstances and the resilience of the human spirit, fulfilling its purpose and passion through it all.