Haldwani: “Become competent, and success will chase you relentlessly.” This motto holds profound wisdom for navigating life’s challenges. Gokul Papola’s journey embodies this ethos, evolving from a humble beginning into a trailblazer in the world of photography.
Born into a middle-class family in Lal Kuan, Gokul’s life was ordinary until tragedy struck with the loss of his father, Govind Singh Papola, a martyr in the Kargil War. Despite adversity, supported by his mother, Prema Devi, and elder sister, Gokul pursued education diligently, progressing from a hostel in Pithoragarh to completing high school and intermediate studies in Haldwani.
Haldwani to Delhi
The pivotal moment came during his tenth grade when Gokul discovered a passion for photography and editing. Although he pursued a B.Com degree at MBPG College, his creative spirit led him to enroll in an animation and photography diploma program at Arena Animation in Delhi.
Facing the daunting challenge of securing work as a fresher in Delhi, Gokul persevered for two years, offering his services free of charge to build experience. His determination took him through the streets of Delhi, despite not fully disclosing his struggles at home due to lingering doubts about the field among family members.
However, persistence paid off, and Gokul gradually started receiving paid assignments. In 2013, fueled by his entrepreneurial spirit, he established “Foto Pandit” studio in Janakpuri, Delhi, which quickly gained traction as a reputable brand. His team expanded, taking on projects from major cities and landing significant advertisements.
Reverse Migration
Driven by a desire to contribute to his hometown, Gokul returned to Haldwani in 2016 and launched Photo Pandit studio there. Through sheer dedication, he transformed Photo Pandit into a recognized brand not only in Haldwani but also across Dehradun and other mountainous regions.
Today, Gokul prefers working in Haldwani, prioritizing respect and local traditions over financial gains in Delhi. He encourages the youth of Haldwani to pursue creative fields, despite initial skepticism from relatives. Gokul’s vision is to empower local talent, offering opportunities and nurturing aspirations in photography, animation, and editing.
His journey exemplifies resilience and determination, culminating in Foto Pandit’s role as an embodiment of Uttarakhand’s cultural essence. Gokul’s commitment extends beyond personal success, aiming to foster a new generation of creative professionals in his beloved hometown.
