by reciprocal arrangement with Star of Mysore

 Mysore, Jan 18: Poverty is only of material existence not that of mind. A perfect example of this could very well be this student whose poverty did not come in the way of doing post-graduation, winning seven gold medals and two cash prizes at the 86th convocation of Mysore University yesterday.

His name Vijay says it all as it means victory. Vijay was born to a daily wage couple Mahadeva and Rajamma of Hanur village in Kollegal taluk.

After receiving his hard-earned post-graduate degree in Kannada from the Governor T.N. Chaturvedi, Vijay shared with Star of Mysore some cherished moments and the hard ways he faced during his studies.

'My parents are working as daily wagers. Facing financial problems, I had to work part time doing odd jobs to complete my education till graduate level. Though I had achieved something, my wish was to take a post-graduate degree. This dream brought me to Mysore and I did achieve my goal by supporting my studies with part time jobs,' Vijay said.

Vijay attended classes in the day time, worked in a petrol bunk from 8 pm to 2 am and whenever there was free time in between he opened his books and studied. That was not all the trouble he took to achieve something in life. Vijay also distributed newspapers.

If you think Vijay did his post graduation in Kannada and just that, his other talent might surprise you. Vijay stood first in the State in the KPSC competitive examination.

'I stood first in KPSC exams but was disappointed not to get further as I was asked irrelevant questions during interviews and was asked to pay bribe,' Vijay lamented.

But determined as always he was, Vijay achieved something in his Kannada studies thus becoming a role model for others of what grit and determination is all about.

When asked what was his future plans, Vijay said he wants to serve the poor students by becoming either a journalist or a lecturer.

Veerappan Factor Cost Him Job

The dreaded poacher Veerappan might have been killed in 2004, but his memories still haunt many, even the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC).

The KPSC obsession with Veerappan cost a young and talented graduate his job.

Vijay, MA (Kannada), who received seven gold medals at the University convocation yesterday, had a different story to tell. Hailing from Hanur, the land of Veerappan in Kollegal, he scored highest marks in the KPSC examination.

He hoped that he would get the job. However, he failed to succeed in Viva Voce. The interviewers started shooting absurd questions at Vijay suspecting him to be an aide of Veerappan.

Apparently irked, Vijay retorted at the interviewers, which cost him the job !