Aditya Kumar Mishra hails from Gola Gokaran Nath, Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh. Through his YouTube Channel UPSC4U, he reaches out to millions of UPSC aspirants across India.
UPSC4U is one of the most popular educational/motivational channels on YouTube. Through its exceptional content, across various social media forums, UPSC4U not just motivates UPSC aspirants but also provides them with live interactive sessions with Toppers and Q&A sessions.
A very popular avenue among students preparing for the civil services, UPSC4U remains one of the biggest channels keeping the spirit of competition alive. But even though the channel has found its place in the hearts and more importantly in the schedules of the aspirants, the face behind it remains rather elusive. So we followed the trail of the voice that moves millions to reach out to the founder of UPSC4U, Mr Aditya Kumar Mishra.
The following is an excerpt from the recent interview Wonderpublish conducted with Mr Aditya Kumar Mishra:
Q 1: Many people know about UPSC4U. But not many know about the face behind it. Tell us about yourself?
Yes, you are right. Because, till now people only know what UPSC4U is. But they do not know who is the face behind it or who writes the motivational content featured on the channel. So I would like to tell everyone that my name is Aditya Kumar Mishra and I am 19 years old. I am from Gola Gokaran Nath area of Lakhimpur Kheri in Uttar Pradesh. I am also a UPSC aspirant and am doing my graduation from Allahabad University.
Now to answer why didn’t I tell anyone who is behind UPSC4U till now, is my belief. I believe that a person should just focus on his work. And in any case, if you take your brand up or take your brand to people, then your name is definitely going to reach people. And that too faster than the time your brand took. Also, when we think of making a name, we only think about ourselves and not about other people who are associated with you. So this was my short introduction.
Q 2: Why did you decide to get into this line? And why only UPSC?
I would like to tell you that this is not my only goal.
Now if I talk about why I chose this line, when I started my preparation, I saw that this is an exam that demands time from you and demands your full attention. Now you will only succeed when you are motivated from inside and don’t let negative thoughts enter your head. So I thought why not do something that people can read or listen and immediately move towards their studies and their goals. So I started writing.
And now the USPC4U has become a friend to the people, helping them start each day with new energy. Recently, we also launched our MOBILE APP, which is getting a good response. One of the reasons behind this success is that I am preparing like other people, so I know where the problems overwhelm people and hamper with their studies.
Q 3: When it comes to clearing an exam like UPSC, not many people encourage the aspirants, let alone supporting them. As a motivational speaker yourself, how do you connect with every one of them?
Yes, now if I talk about this exam, we are told in advance that “you have to read for 18 hours daily. It is given by more than 10 lakh people. One has to go to Delhi for coaching and much more.” Now, hearing these things the morale of most of the students get dwindled. And then just such things keep going on in their mind.
So for this also, I started a program which is proving very beneficial for the people. We keep writing good inspirational ideas, as well as many articles on our website and LIVE Q&A sessions with UPSC TOPPERS on our YouTube channel and Instagram, so it clears doubts and provides peace of mind to the aspirants. I believe that people will keep telling you something or the other but you just have to keep going.
Q 4: In less than two years UPSC4U has gone from 500 to 150K subscribers. You also have sizable followership on other social media platforms. Tell us how has the journey been for you personally?
I would like to tell you that I started it in September 2018. And today we have more than 2 million people connected to all other social media platforms.
When I received guidance from my brother Amar Nath Mishra Ji, I started my YouTube channel. There were only 10 subscribers for about 3 months. Initially, the response was not encouraging. Then a time came when even my mind started saying, ‘Leave it, you are just wasting your time and nothing else,’ Then after a few days, I thought how will it work if the person who motivates others gets demotivated himself.
Then I started putting videos again with full faith and support of my brother. I always kept one thing in my mind that, ‘No matter what, I have to do it.’
Q 5: What does Aditya Kumar Mishra like to do in his spare time? Also, if you can tell us one thing about yourself which nobody knows about you.
As I told you, I am a UPSC ASPIRANT myself, so much of my time is spent in studies. But whenever I get some time, I spend it on reading the Bhagvad Gita. Because after reading it I never feel that I cannot do something.
Now you asked, what is the thing that people do not know about me. I believe such things should not be told because if you share such deeds with people, then you get less fruit of your labour. But yes, I would like to tell you one thing, so that people can get inspired to do the same deeds, I spend a small part of my income in public service, which I never tell anyone nor share photos with people.
I think that if every person puts some part of their earnings in public service, then our country will always be progressive and other people will not have to face any problems.
Q 6: What has been the reaction of your family to your work so far?
I am from an ordinary family. From the very beginning, my family and friends supported me well. They never said what are you doing or there is no point. My father always says the same thing to me that if you want to do something in life then make sure that people recognize you for your work. And I am still looking forward to doing something new to make my family proud.
Q 7: Lastly, as UPSC recently declared results what would you like to tell the aspirants who are just starting on this journey?
I will not be able to say much about it because I am still preparing for the same exam. However, I have uploaded some articles and TOPPERS LIVE Q&A on YouTube channel, people can read and listen to them.
But yes, I will only say two words, “Do it or leave it”.
Follow the link to subscribe to UPSC4U on YouTube.
