Mysuru: “Theses being currently submitted by students to University of Mysore (UoM) for  Doctoral degree (Ph.D) are lacking quality and limited just to getting  certificate,” regretted former Karnataka Sanskrit University VC Prof. Padma Shekar.

She was speaking at the valedictory of the 12-day Kannada re-orientation camp on the topic ‘Kannada language, Literature and Culture,’ organised by Kuvempu Institute of Kannada Studies (KIKS) at Malaviya Mission Teacher Training Centre (MMTTC) in Manasagangothri campus here recently.

Pointing out that she was a research guide to about 30 research scholars when she served at UoM years ago, she noted “The thesis submitted by students under her guidance are resourceful in content with a lot of new things on the subject. But it is disappointing to note that the quality of thesis has come down now.”

Referring to a participant student who interpreted ‘Dharma’ in Jain Literature, Prof. Padma maintained that Jain, Sikh and Buddhist religions were born with Dravidian culture. As such it can be said that all these religions came up opposing the culture of Hinduism, she argued.

Expressing concern that these days it has become difficult to find the right kind of resource persons for orientation programmes, she said it is a challenge to organise such Kannada workshops by utilising the services of available teaching faculty.

Programme co-ordinators Prof. S.D. Shashikala and Dr. Nanjundaswamy deserve special praise for their efforts in this regard, she added.

UoM In-charge Registrar Prof. N. Nagaraj, MMTTC Director Prof. H.P. Jyothi, KIKS Director Prof. Nanjaiah Honganur and others were present.