Mysuru, Sept. 7 (BS)- T. Yogeesha, Director of the Scheduled Tribes (ST) Welfare Department, urged research scholars to shed any sense of inferiority and instead cultivate a sense of superiority by developing the habit of reading books with the sole aim of enhancing knowledge.

He was speaking after inaugurating a 10-day Capacity Development Workshop for Research Scholars belonging to Scheduled Tribes, organised by the ST Welfare Department in association with the Karnataka State Tribal Research Institute (KSTRI) in city recently.

“It does not matter where you come from. What matters is having a strong resolve to be first and focusing on achievement. Success is possible with determination,” Yogeesha said.

Sharing his own journey as an example, he recalled, “When I was in college, I struggled to score even 35 marks in English. However, through hard work and perseverance, I went on to secure a rank. Today, I stand before you as an officer. If you want to contribute meaningfully to society, you must develop a healthy mindset and execute your ideas effectively. The Department will extend all necessary support.”

Encouraging the scholars to provide constructive suggestions to improve the Department’s functioning, Yogeesha said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has given complete freedom to officials to design and implement programmes aimed at the development of the ST community.

As part of the event, tablets were distributed to the research scholars to help them gather information using technology and aid their studies.

Prof. J. Somashekar, Director of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Research & Extension Centre, Prof. H.D. Prashanth from Kannada University, Hampi, Prabha Urs, Deputy Director of the ST Welfare Department, M.K. Mallesh, District Officer, B.R. Bhavya, Accounts Officer, M.V. Nagarathna, Superintendent, Dr. Mohan, Arun Prabhu, Gangadhar and others were present.