How A Fish-Seller & Mason From Karnataka Juggled Between Jobs To Earn A PhD Degree At 29
Niyaz Panakaje was born in a poor family in Belthangady, Karnataka. His father despite ailments worked as a daily wage labourer. His mother rolled beedis to raise their eight children -- four girls and four boys. From selling fish to working as a mason and an auto-driver Niya has juggled between several odd jobs.
Born in a poor family, Niyaz Panakaje barely had books and a bag when he was admitted in class one. Instead of being disheartened, Panakaje went to a neighbour's house to work as domestic help to fund his schooling.
Since then, he has been juggling odd jobs to stay on course.
Niyaz Panakaje/Facebook
But Panakaje's hard work has paid off. His journey ended on a high note on Saturday when Niyaz, now 29, was awarded PhD in Commerce for his paper, Role of cooperative banking in socio-economic development of rural Muslim communities - A study in DK district of Karnataka), at the 39th convocation of Mangalore University.
His father, despite ailments, worked as a daily wage labourer while his mother rolled beedis to raise their eight children -- four girls and four boys.
Niyaz Panakaje/Facebook
"I am the youngest and always wanted to become a teacher. I knew poverty would stand in my way, so I was ready to work for a living from childhood itself,¡± Niyaz, a resident of Belthangady, told The Times of India.
From selling fish to working as a mason and an auto-driver, Niya has juggled between several odd jobs. When he was in high school, Niyaz worked in paddy fields and delivered newspapers.
Niyaz completed his M.Com at St Agnes College.
Niyaz Panakaje/Facebook
He enrolled for PhD in 2016 under Abbokar Siddiq, associate professor and coordinator at the department of PG studies in commerce, University College, Mangaluru.
¡°I was entitled to a scholarship of Rs 25,000 but it was never credited on time," he recalled.
Niyaz completed his PhD in five years, has so far presented over 25 research papers, and is an assistant professor of commerce At Srinivas University.
