Graduation often marks as the end of academic journey for most people. But for Professor V. N. Parthiban from Chennai, learning has no finish line, it only has milestones.
Popularly known as the 'Man with 150 Degrees,' Parthiban has turned education into his lifestyle. His astonishing collection of degrees over 150 and counting, includes multiple Master’s in Economics, Law, Political Science, and Public Administration, along with 12 M.Phils. He is currently pursuing his fourth PhD.
The backstory of lifetime learning
Parthiban’s story began with a simple but powerful vow to his mother. As a young student, he barely scraped through his first degree. The disappointment that he saw on his mother’s face that day changed his whole life. He promised her that he would excel in his academics. That moment of resolve became the foundation of a lifelong obsession with learning.
Since 1981, the professor has been enrolling in one course after another. What started as a determination to perform better turned into a love affair with knowledge. Professor Parthiban shared a belief saying, “Restrictions exist only in the mind,” he often says and he has lived with that philosophy every day since, per MoneyControl.
A life funded by passion and not paychecks
Parthiban spends almost 90% of his salary on tuition fees, books and research material. He teaches at multiple colleges in Chennai, from dawn till dusk, while squeezing in his own study hours between the lectures. While others unwind after work, Parthiban dives into his textbooks as reported by Moneycontrol.
Despite his towering academic record, he remains deeply humble. At 65, Professor Parthiban isn’t slowing down. His next goal? To cross over 200 degrees, not because he wants to be famous, but for the joy of learning.
