Age is just a number for P. Rajagopal, who earned his PhD degree from Anna University at the ripe age of 70. If that wasn’t impressive enough, his diligence and patience was also on full display as it took him nearly 10 years to achieve this feat. His patience was rewarded by the Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi himself, who presided over the 42nd convocation ceremony of Anna University where he received his Phd. The former general manager of ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) from Tamil Nadu silenced the ageists by completing his Phd. in 2022.
Mr. Rajagopal graduated in B Tech (in 1978) and M Tech (1980) from the Department of Chemical Engineering in Alagappa College of Technology in the Guindy campus of Anna University following which he joined the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation.
When he returned to Chennai after retirement he would visit his alma mater to drop his daughter, who was pursuing her degree in industrial engineering. The regular visits inspired him to continue his studies, in fact, pursue PhD, said the former General Manager of ONGC, a post from which he retired in 2013. It took him eight years to complete the programme as he had to tend to my family as well.
He tried to find a solution to the problem of effluent water generated in ONGC through research. He informs that his guide suggested for him to take up effluents from two other industries as well for the study. He took up textile and pharmaceutical industries.
Since his first guide M. Velan retired before he could complete the degree he was transferred to K. Chitra, an associate professor in the same department. He has published two articles in international journals (a UGC requirement for PhD degree).
His tenacity was tested as he completed his course work amid great difficulties. His wife was unwell and he himself suffered from a bout of Covid-19. But his spirits were not dampened and he completed his degree on July 29, 2022