Mangaluru, Jun 17: For a common man who comes from an extremely poor family background, a government job at the age of 18 would be a great achievement. Most of the youth from poor families never think of continuing their educational career after getting a job.
Narasimha Gunjalli, a resident of Raichur, also hailed from such a background. He was compelled to shoulder the responsibility of a big family comprising his parents, a brother and two sisters, when he was still a teen age boy. But, after becoming a BMTC conductor, he was not ready to give up his academic dreams and he successfully fought all the hurdles to earn a doctoral degree in Kannada journalism from Mangalore University.
This “Dr Conductor” was one among the 88 persons who were awarded Doctor of Philosophy degrees at the 33rd convocation of Mangalore University on Wednesday.
Dr Narasimha completed his thesis under the guidance of Prof. G P Shivram, the chairman, of department of Mass Communication and Journalism in Mangalore University on the topic Karnatakadalli Kannada Krishi Pathrikodyama: Ondu Adhyayana
Soon after completing PUC, he had joined the BMTC as a conductor in 2004. While working he completed his graduation and post graduation respectively from Karnataka University, Dharwad and Hampi University through correspondence.
“The poverty forced me to go for a job even though I wanted to continue education,” Dr Narasimha told Coataldigest.com. “However, I continued my education through correspondence. Despite the work stress and hectic schedule, I managed to complete the graduation and post graduation,” he said recalling the days when he used read books after day-long work.
His thirst for knowledge finally brought him to Mangalore University. After taking permission from BMTC he joined for PhD in 2012. “If employees take up courses which are useful to BMTC, then it will bear the course fee. In my case, I was on a loss of pay for three years till I completed my PhD,” said Dr Narasimha, who took three years and 35 days to complete his thesis. He said that a few days after submitting his thesis in September, 2014, he rejoined the duty.
“Narasimha was always very serious about his research. Whenever I assigned him a task, he managed to complete it within the given span of time,” said his guide Prof. Shivram adding that the former’s dedication and hard work helped him earn the doctorate in three years.
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