Where there is a will, there’s always a way. And this saying has been proved several times by some passionate people who have defied all odds to realize their dreams. Earlier, a tea seller became a professor at Kannur University. A single mom who sold lemonade returned to the same place after 10 years as Sub-Inspector.
And among these hardworking people who believed in themselves is this 73-year-old man who didn’t let his old age come in between his aspiration to have a doctorate degree.
The elderly named Thangappan hails from Tamil Nadu’s Kanyakumari district. He used to be a teacher and headmaster at Devasam Board School in the Thirparappu area of the district. However for 15 years post his retirement, he cultivated cashews on his family-owned land.
But he was still motivated to learn more and had a keen interest in Gandhian principles. Apart from applying the principle in his life, he was also passionate about getting a doctorate degree.
Therefore, he registered himself for a doctorate at Manonmaniam Sundaranar University and started his research. And after eight years of research and acquiring an MA (History) MEd, MPhil degree, the bachelor elderly finally has a Ph.D. Thangappan was bestowed with his degree by the governor of Tamil Nadu, RN Ravi.
The elderly man wants to see the world free of terrorism and this is one of the reasons why he studied Gandhian philosophy.
“Gandhian principles are the essentials to the current world of terrorism and that only Gandhian principles could uproot terrorism and hatred. All the people of the country should follow the principles that Gandhiji had left for us,” he said adding that ‘there is no barrier to education at any age as it can bring peace to the world’.
Well said, sir. You’re a living legend!
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