This 89-year-old freedom fighter is pursuing his dream, takes test to complete PhD
Age is just a number and Sharanabasavaraj Bisarahalli (89) has just proved that it's never too late to achieve something. A former freedom fighter, a social worker and a retired teacher, he is now looking to pursue PhD in Kannada literature.
An author of 15 books, he now wants to do research in Vachana Literature (a form of writing in Kannada language).
Bisarahalli has a degree in Law and also has two Masters degree from the Karnatak University, Dharwad and Kannada University, Hampi, Karnataka.
The freedom fighter's tryst with knowledge is a never-ending tale as he says,
With all humility, I have considered the entire purpose of my life is to be a student and earn knowledge. And, irrespective of one’s age, the learning must never stop.
Born in 1929, he has been a senior figure in the Karnataka-Hyderabad region had took part in the liberation movement of Hyderabad.
Bisarahalli also took three kids from the Scheduled Caste community under his care. Now, all three are doing well. Today, one among them is a Superintendent of PwD, another is an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the Karnataka Police department and the third is working with the Department of Telecommunication.
In 1991, Bisarahalli decided to pursue Law even though he had never practiced Law in the court. He told The News Minute,
Being a freedom fighter who fought for India at a young age, studying Law helped me understand the Laws of the country in a systematic manner
He couldn't pursue PhD as he had scored below 55 percent. To score the required percentage, he again did Masters in Kannada from Kannada University, Hampi, Karnataka. This time he scored 66 percent.
He was unable to study at an early age and had few personal commitments and pursuing PhD requires dedication and time.
On being asked about the PhD exam he has attempted, he said,
I had attempted the exam last year as well but failed. This time, it went well and I am confident of clearing the exam.
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