When Krishnappa (78), a retired teacher of Hassan district, went to receive his postgraduate degree and a cash prize from Governor and Chancellor Vajubai R. Vala at the 15th annual convocation of the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) here on Thursday, students and all those present at the packed Kalamandir auditorium gave him a thunderous applause for his rare deed. Mr. Krishnappa showed that age does not come in the way of learning, after the successful completion of his MA in Sanskrit. He was the oldest among all the candidates who received degrees on Thursday.
The last time Mr. Krishnappa, who began his career as a teacher in a government school in Mandya district, prepared for an exam was in 1978 for his Bachelor of Education (B. Ed) course. “I wrote this exam after a long gap, but I wrote it at ease as I have an obsession to learn,” he said.
“There is no end to achieving knowledge. As long as I live, I will continue to learn, unmindful of my age,” said Mr. Krishnappa, a native of Chikkanayakanahalli in Tumakuru district. He lives in Didiga village in Hassan district with his wife, who is also a retired schoolteacher. Mr. Krishnappa now spends his days tutoring schoolchildren of his village and prepares them for exams.
“I have developed an interest in literature and the Bhagavad Gita. I encourage students to study the scripture,” said Mr. Krishnappa, who had come with his relative to receive the degree. Mr. Vala was clearly in awe over Mr. Krishnappa’s achievement when he presented the cash prize and certificate to him.
Retired schoolteacher Krishnappa now has an MA in Sanskrit
