If one has money and is self-dependant, one can survive, says D. Kumar, a PhD student of mathematics at CBM College in Kovaipudur, who has come up the hard way.

Son of a carpenter-homemaker couple, Kumar had from a very young age spent his free time to earn for studies. “I have been using the money earned from doing part-time jobs right from Standard III. My parents have struggled a lot to meet the daily needs. So I thought I must not trouble them,” he said.

He went to Erode Government School graduated from Chikkaih Naicker College in Erode. Though he wanted to pursue studies in physics, he was offered a seat for chemistry and so decided to take up maths.

On the advice of one of his friends doing his post-graduation in chemistry, Kumar joined for his post-graduation in mathematics in 2012 with over Rs 15,000 saved after working as a paperboy and part-time job with a caterer. He completed his MPhil in 2016, and is all praisefor this guide and adviser Prof M. S. Mutharasu. “This position I am now in is only because of my guide and his support. I owe him my life,” said Kumar.

The last one year has eventful as Kumar started a food stall at the busy 100-ft Road in Kovaipudur. His schedule is to teach Mathematics to engineering students till 9 am where he earns Rs 4,000 per month. From 9 am to 3.30 pm, he concentrates on his research work at his college. Around 4.30 pm, Kumar opens his food stall. He has wide-range of customers, including students. His margin from the stall is around Rs 350-450 a day.

“I am interested in catering and my stall is situated in a place where there are a lot of fast food shops. I make sure my menu has that which they do not serve,” says this research scholar.

“Be self-sufficient and try to make your own living. Do not be at the mercy of someone,” is his motto.