Pune:
He seems like any other enthusiastic student participating in the one-act play competition of the ongoing Indradhanushya 2010 youth festival at the University of Pune. However, 22-year-old Govinda Bhiku Khairnar is in a league of his own.
Apart from being a competent stage artiste and bright student, this young man works in the mortuary of JJ Hospital in Mumbai. Residing in Goregaon (east), Govinda has been working at the hospital since three years while pursuing his studies from Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University (YCMOU).
"I have participated in many plays and competitions so far. I have even won two national-level awards," said Govinda while talking to DNA. "Along with theatre, I love to dance and have participated in many dance competitions as well," he added.
When asked about his experience of working in the mortuary, he said the environment does not scare him at all. "I am just concentrating on my studies. My father takes up minor painting works while my mother is a housewife. Thus, the source of income is limited," said Govinda, who is in the third year of BCom. "Sometimes, I even work at a pharmaceutical company to increase the flow of money," he added.
Director of student welfare and extra-mural studies of YCMOU, Vijaykumar Paikrao, said that Govinda is one of the finest students of the university.
Govinda believes he could not have gone this far without help from the institute. "I love to act and dance. However, I do not have professional training. The teachers and trainers at YCMOU have honed my skills. Now, I want to teach this art form to other students," he said.
On Wednesday, Govinda and his team performed the Marathi play Saal Ekda Tari.Govinda Khairnar
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