Kerala Man Sets Example Of Humility, Holds A PhD But Still Drives An Auto Rickshaw

For Ajith KP, a proud PhD holder from the Thunchath Ezhuthachan Malayalam University in Kerala, hard work and humility are the two most important tenets of life.

While in school his only reason to go to school was to simply clear his class X exams. After that, he wanted to apply for a driver's licence and ride an auto-rickshaw.

Source/The New Indian Express

But fate had some other plans for him. According to The New Indian Express, Ajith started riding an auto-rickshaw during his final year of college because it was the easiest way to make an income. He also considers it to be a way of giving back to society.

¡°I¡¯ve taken many patients and elderly people to hospitals. I¡¯ve learnt many things from conversing with them. It has made me a better person. Many of my passengers have helped me in becoming what I¡¯m now. So I will continue to be an autorickshaw driver,¡± he said.

Last July he was awarded a PhD on ¡®Popular Culture and Theatre Songs,¡¯ but his fancy degree and job as guest lecturer didn't stop him from riding the rickshaw.

Twitter/Picture For Representation

From having to live in a house with no electricity to working in stone quarries and selling fish to support his family, Ajith has come a long way to achieve his dreams. All of those struggles have toughened him up and made it possible to face challenges thrown in life.

He is currently working as a guest lecturer at the C Achutha Menon Government College, Thrissur. He can still be seen riding his auto-rickshaw on weekends.

The New Indian Express quotes Ajith saying, ¡°I wished to be a driver since childhood and I¡¯m doing it now. Also, I¡¯m able to impart knowledge to many students now, which I never thought of.¡±He adds that the students should be ready to face failures in life for becoming successful. ¡°I passed Class X examinations in the second attempt. It took me four attempts to clear the NET. We should face failures in life, then only we will fight it. This will strengthen our character."

Twitter/Picture For Representation

Ajith has already cleared the National Eligibility Test and is now preparing for Public Service Commission Examination in order to secure a permanent job. He says that since his childhood dream was to ride an auto-rickshaw, he will continue to do so. But alongside, he will also continue to teach students.