Govind Swarup put radio astronomy in India on the world stage with the indigenous construction of state-of-the-art radio telescopes at low radio frequencies, incorporating many innovative features. A passionate scientist and an educator with unbounded enthusiasm and energy, he has been a source of inspiration for the academic and scientific community. This article traces his life and contributions, with some reminiscences that are likely to touch, motivate and inspire the young readers of Resonance, just as it has many of us who have had the privilege of working with him.