Man beats visual challenge to obtain PhD

Chamarajnagar: Visual challenge has not been a hurdle for 30-year-old H N Manu Kumar to realise his dream of obtaining a doctorate. This young man from Hangala in Gundlupet taluk will receive PhD in the next convocation of University of Mysuru.

He has done research on "The Role of Government and NGOs in the progress of education for physically challenged in Chamarajnagar district " under the guidance of Political Science associate professor of UoM evening college Dr R N Dinesh. Manu Kumar has interacted with 354 students of 105 schools for his thesis. He has bagged two gold medals and three cash prizes in MA in Political Science. He will be the first visually challenged student from Chamarajnagar district to get the distinction and fifth from UoM.

Interestingly, Manu has never depended on any of the devices used by visually challenged including Braille all through his studies. He has studied in normal schools taken his exams taking the help of scribes and prepared by listening to audio books and recordings.

Manu is the only son of assistant reserve sub inspector H Nagappa and Parvathi. Nagappa served in the Special Task Force to nab forest brigand Veerappan for seven years.

Manu studied primary school at his village, high school at Christhaaraja Baalarapattana, and PUC at government boys college in Chamarajnagar. He did his degree in Seva Bharathi College and PG at Government First Grade College. He is presently serving as a guest lecturer at the Government First Grade College. Manu has completed his PhD in three and half years. He wants to become an IAS officer.

Speaking to the Hans India, Manu said, "When I studied there were no private or government special schools in Chamarajangar. I only wish that government considers the suggestions I have made in my thesis and sets up special schools and libraries for visually challenged," he said. Chamarajnagar SP Divya Sara Thomas and other police officials felicitated Manu at his home for his achievement on Saturday.