Sir,
At the age of 70, I cleared the University of Mysore (UoM) Ph.D entrance examination in Sociology in December 2024 with 63% marks, standing fifth in the general merit list.
What followed was an eighteen-month wait for a research guide. I have now been informed that a guide is not available.
Throughout this period, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. N.K. Lokanath and Registrar (Evaluation) Dr. Nagaraja, treated me with courtesy and respect, for which I remain grateful.
There is no grievance in this reflection. Sometimes, despite goodwill on all sides, a dream simply cannot find a home.
The lesson I take away is simple: Pursue your aspirations wholeheartedly, but do not let any single aspiration define your worth.
I may not become a Ph.D scholar, but I remain a student of society.
—Mohan Sundar Rajan
Jayalakshmipuram
13.6.2026
