Man of Confidence - Kathir

For some, determination is just an adjective but for few people like Kathir, it is a habit or their character itself, whatever you want to call it as. When Ravi told me that he has cleared his NET (National Eligibility Test) Exam at the age of 45, I was puzzled. When I talked to him for the interview, I was clearly able to see his confidence reflecting.

His original name is Kabeer, but he is known as Kathir to everyone. Being a visually challenged person, Kathir got the family responsibility on him since young due to the sad demise of his father. But that did not stop him from dreaming big. He had managed to prepare for NET  simultaneously working for a TV channel and he cracked it. But his dream is even bigger. He is determined to pursue PhD that too from premier institutions like IITs or IIMs. “A man is complete only when he acquires his Doctorate degree” says Kathir. So, Kathir is currently preparing again for NET exam in full swing to enter the IITs or IIMs for his PhD.

 “When you are clear about what to want the universe works in every possible way to make it happen” goes a saying. The same has worked out for Kathir. Many noble hearts has come out of their way to help him achieve this. Shakthivel from lit the light, Mr. Subramanian from Thirunelveli and Mr. Saravanan, an IT employee are few such persons. For competitive exams like NET, timing is one important criterion.  Mr. Subramanian has helped him tap, that aspect of exam. His mentoring has helped him solve all the mathematical questions in 20seconds without the use of calculator, which usually requires 3 minutes with calculator. Mr. Saravanan has aided him with model question and answers in a format friendly to Kathir.

Kathir is a bundle of talent, I would say. In addition to NET he also is capable of cracking GRE (Graduate Record Examination) and TOEFL(Test of English as Foreign Language) exams which are equally competitive as NET . “I am fully confident that I will surely crack these exams that would help me secure a place in premier institutes like Harvard for my Doctorate” says Kathir proudly. He also added, “But unfortunately these universities offer fellowships only from second year onwards and we would have to support ourselves for the first year. I would feel blessed if somebody would come forward to support me for my first year alone. I will prove myself to get the fellowship from second year”. Hearing this from 48 years old person left me dumbfounded.

Talking to person like Kathir transmits positiveness in us too. True passion is what one would aspire to achieve irrespective of their age and limitations. And Kathir is one living inspiration for that. I feel entitled for having got an opportunity talk to him.

I personally and also on behalf of Lit the Light convey my heartiest wishes to Kathir to reach greater heights even beyond his imagination and hope he gets a sponsor for his studies abroad.

Article By  Sree Mahalakshmi