I worked as daily wage earner

To support my educational needs, says Prof B Venkat Rathnam, VC of Kakatiya University, Warangal

I was born to Boda Muthaiah and Ramulamma at Solipet village in Nalgonda district. I am the youngest and I have three sisters and three brothers. My parents worked in the agricultural fields near our village to make a living. Soon we moved to Tekumatla village which is close to Solipet where I did my schooling in Zilla Parishad High School.

I did not have enough exposure to the world outside until Class III. As my academic performance was not up to the mark, my headmaster wanted to demote me to Class II. As the attender of the school was shifting me to Class II, I cried inconsolably and promised the attender that I would study hard and begged him take me to Class III. Later, the headmaster too was convinced and allowed me to study in Class III.

Since then, I focused on academics and was securing first or second ranks in the class. My brother Boda Ramulu supported my educational needs and fee requirements. I greatly admire my primary school teacher Uppu Sathaiah. It was amazing to see him rise from that position to the level of an SCERT professor (rank of District Education Officer) in Hyderabad. Another teacher-cum-pastor Moses Isaiah also was instrumental in shaping my life.

I did my intermediate education from SV Junior College, Suryapet in Nalgonda district. I had strong urge to pursue engineering as I was really good at Mathematics and Physics at school. But due to tremendous competition for MPC (Math-Physics-Chemistry) course, I could not get admission. My dream to become an engineer was shattered. Finally, I opted for CEC (Civics, Economics, Commerce) group.

For graduation, I joined BCom in NG College in Nalgonda district. I remember working as a daily wage earner to supplement my fee and educational needs. I was given a bag of rice for my work in the fields by the landlords. I toiled hard to achieve something in my life. I witnessed abject poverty during all my childhood and student days. Kakatiya University had changed all my life for good as I joined MCom in 1978. I read a lot about Dr BR Ambedkar, father of the Indian constitution. Of many teachers, I was greatly influenced by Ambedkar’s way of life and his writings. Since then, I have always worked towards helping the have-nots in whatever the capacity I can.

Unlike my friends, I was never fascinated by films.I watched just six movies in theatres throughout my youth. One during Class VI, two during BCom and three during my post-graduation! I enjoyed sports although my focus was on academics in school, college and university. Incidentally, I was the captain of KU teams in inter-university Kabaddi and Handball tournaments. Athletics was also my forte during college days.

Later, I finished my MPhil and joined as a part-time lecturer in University Arts and Science College (Hanamkonda) in 1981 and was absorbed as a full time faculty the following year. I am serious about helping the needy and the underprivileged. However, as Vice Chancellor, I belong to all the people and will do service in the best interests of pupils and people.

(As told to G Hemanth Reddy)