Professor V N Parthiban: The Chennai Scholar Who Turned a Mother’s Disappointment into 150+ Educational Degrees!
For most people, the end of college marks the end of their academic life. But for one man in Chennai, education is not a phase; it’s a way of life. Meet Professor Dr. V. N. Parthiban, a name that has become synonymous with determination, discipline, and devotion to learning. He is not just a teacher; he’s an institution in himself, a man who holds more than 150 academic degrees and continues to study even today. For the last four decades, Parthiban has been on an unending quest for knowledge. He spends 90% of his salary on university fees, books, and exams. In a world where people chase money or fame, he chases degrees not for status, but for a deeply personal reason: a promise he made to his mother.The Promise That Changed His LifeParthiban’s story began with a moment of heartbreak and resolve. During his first degree, he barely passed. Seeing her son’s results, his mother was disappointed, not because of the marks, but because she knew he had the potential to do better. That day, Parthiban made a silent vow he would study harder, not just to pass, but to excel. It was a promise born out of love, respect, and guilt—a son’s way of redeeming himself in his mother’s eyes. What started as an effort to earn one good degree became a lifelong obsession with learning. From that moment in 1981, Parthiban never stopped studying.Degrees Beyond CountingHis academic record reads like a university prospectus. Over the years, he has collected degrees across a staggering range of disciplines Economics, Public Administration, Political Science, Law, History, Commerce, Education, and Sociology, to name just a few. He holds multiple Master’s degrees, 12 M.Phils, and is currently pursuing his fourth Ph.D. His qualifications now exceed 150 degrees and diplomas, making him one of the most educated individuals not only in India but across the world. Yet, despite these achievements, Parthiban remains humble and grounded.A Routine of Relentless DedicationBehind his extraordinary academic record lies an equally extraordinary routine. Parthiban’s day begins at 5 a.m. and ends close to midnight. He teaches at several colleges during the day, often from early morning till evening, and squeezes in time to study in libraries, parks, and even in between classes. He admits with a smile that studying is his only hobby. His Sundays are reserved for one simple joy: listening to songs written by the legendary Tamil lyricist Kannadasan, from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. “It motivates me,” he laughs. This balance of simplicity and discipline has been the secret to his success. His dedication shows that true education isn’t about finishing a syllabus; it’s about never stopping the pursuit of knowledge.Author, Mentor, and InspirationBeyond being a lifelong student, Parthiban is also an educator and author. He has written over seven books, inspiring countless students to embrace the joy of learning. His achievements have earned him recognition from numerous private institutions, though he humbly wishes for a government award, not for personal glory, but to inspire more people to value education. In an age when education is often treated as a means to an end, Parthiban reminds us that learning can be an act of devotion. His story is proof that the human spirit can achieve unimaginable things when fueled by emotion and purpose. A Legacy Beyond DegreesProfessor V. N. Parthiban’s life is a lesson for everyone who has ever given up too early or thought it was too late to begin again. His journey shows that education has no age, no boundary, and no final exam. From a young boy trying to prove himself to a man with 150+ degrees, he has transformed his life into an example of hard work. His story is not just about academic achievement; it’s about the limitless power of the human will.
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