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