Mysuru: S.R. Divya of Anemala tribal hamlet in H.D. Kote taluk, Nagarahole National Park, has emerged as a first among Paniyan tribe (also known as Paniya/ Paniyar) to obtain a Ph.D degree in the State.

Divya researched on the topic ‘A Sociological Study of Paniyan Tribe’ under the guidance of Prof. K.M. Metry, Department of Tribal Studies, Kannada University, Hampi for Ph.D, which has been accepted for the award of Ph.D degree by the Varsity.  She will be receiving her doctorate during the Convocation Ceremony of Kannada University at Hampi scheduled on Jan.10, 2024.

Divya is the eldest among three children to her parents Raju and Lakshmi. Despite her dire straits due to abject poverty, she pursued her aim with determination and achieved the feat of securing  a Ph.D, stated Dr. Ammasandra Suresh of Department of Posts, in a press release.