Daijiworld Media Network – Dharwad (MS)

Dharwad, Mar 6: An elderly person showed that age is not a barrier if one wishes to accomplish any goal. Markandeya Doddamani completed his PhD at the age of 89.

Karnatak University has awarded PhD to Doddamani for his thesis ‘Shivasharana Dohara Kakkaiah – A study’. Doddamani took 18 years to get the PhD.

Markandeya enrolled for PhD in 2006. However, his guide Prof Talavara of Karnatak University passed away. Later, he continued his research under the guidance of Dr R C Hirematha, associate lecturer of Kannada department and lecturer Ningappa N Halli.

Markandeya got his thesis ready and submitted the same to the university on November 9, 2023. His viva voce was held on February 8, 2024 and PhD was awarded subsequently.

Markandeya was a teacher in a government school after getting educated with difficulty as he came from a poor background. Many teased him that becoming a teacher is not easy for a person from a financially poor background. But Markandeya did not pay heed to the discouragement of people and continued with his efforts.

Doddamani says, “I  began my career as a primary school teacher at Ramadurga and later got transferred to Dharwad. I studied PU and BA, MA, BEd in Dharwad. I attained superannuation in 1994 as a diet teacher. I have written 26 books till date. I am also managing a newspaper about Samagara Haraliah.”

Susheela, wife of Doddamani said, “My husband had worked on his thesis for 18 long years. He has at last achieved his goal. I am happy for him. Now appreciation and congratulatory messages are pouring in from family members, friends and the society. We, as family supported him and have helped him in whatever way we can.”