The Inspiring Journey of Prof. (Dr.) Ganapathi Gowda S | Inspired by their kindness and care |
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Prof. (Dr.) Ganapathi Gowda S., Principal of University College, Mangalore, is a man whose life shines with the power of education, hard work, and gratitude. His story begins in a small village and rises to the heights of academic excellence.
He was born in the humble hamlet of Halageri in Honnavar taluk. Ganapathi grew up in a large family with seven children. His father worked as a labourer, struggling every day to provide food for the family. His mother often joined him in the fields. Though both parents could not read or write, they carried a great dream in their hearts that their children should study and live a better life.
But life was very difficult. When Ganapathi was in the fourth standard, his parents had to make a painful decision. To earn some extra money, they sent him to look after an arecanut garden. The little boy cried every day, more out of fear of animals and a longing to return to school. After three months, his father, moved by his son’s tears, decided to bring him back. That moment changed everything. It was a turning point in his life, when a father’s faith in his child became stronger than the weight of poverty.
Once back in school, Ganapathi never looked back. He studied with all his heart, determined to make his parents’ sacrifices worthwhile. He completed his schooling in Kumta while staying in a hostel away from home. Later, he joined SDM College, Honnavara, for his pre university studies. To support himself, he worked in the mornings and studied in the afternoons. He truly lived by the words, “Earn while you learn.”
His hard work continued through college. He completed his Bachelor of Arts in History, Economics, and Political Science and then went on to Karnataka University in Dharwad, where he completed his Master of Arts in Ancient Indian History and Epigraphy, securing the second rank. He later earned a Diploma in Epigraphy, a Master of Philosophy, and finally a Doctor of Philosophy in the year 1996. His research was on the Minor Dynasties of Uttara Kannada Region, a topic very close to his roots.
Throughout his journey, his teachers played a major role. They were not just instructors but guides who cared deeply. He still remembers how his lecturers once collected money to pay for his appendix surgery when he had nothing. They trained him with love and discipline, correcting mistakes patiently and teaching him that a teacher can truly change the life of a student.
Inspired by their kindness and care, Dr. Gowda carried the same spirit into his own teaching career. He began as a lecturer at Field Marshal K M Cariappa College in Madikeri in 1994. For eighteen years he served there before joining University College, Mangalore, in 2012. Step by step, he rose from lecturer to associate professor and finally became the principal. Every step was earned through sincerity and hard work.
His research focused on the history, epigraphy, and archaeology of coastal Karnataka. He completed two research projects sponsored by the University Grants Commission and wrote books in Kannada and English. He also presented his work at many national and international conferences, speaking about Jain antiquities, Buddhism, and the ancient history of Karnataka.
His Scholarly Contributions
Dr. Gowda’s profound connection to his roots and his academic rigor are permanently etched into his seminal literary works. His research has gifted Kannada historiography several important books, including “Pandyas of Shishugali and Chandavara Kadambas,” which delves into the intricacies of local dynasties; “Uttara Kannada Jilleya Shashanagala Samskrutika Adhyayana,” a cultural study of the region’s inscriptions; and “Grama Okkaligara Samskrutika Adhyayana mattu Samakaleena Charitre,” which explores the cultural history and contemporary narrative of the Okkaliga community. These publications are not merely academic exercises; they are the intellectual harvest from the very soil he once trod as a child, ensuring that the rich tapestry of Karnataka’s local history is preserved, studied, and celebrated for generations to come.
Beyond his academic work, Dr. Gowda’s heart has always been with the people. As an officer of the National Service Scheme, he guided students in social work. He helped them build roads for tribal families, organize health camps, and spread awareness about diseases. He always taught that true success means serving others, not just achieving personal goals.
He also served in many important roles as Head of the History Department, Coordinator of Travel and Tourism, Convenor of the Heritage Club, and advisor to the Student Union. He continues to contribute as a member of the Karnataka Itihasa Academy and as a life member of the Kannada Sahitya Parishat.
Learning is a Continuous Process
For Dr. Gowda, learning has never been confined to a classroom or an age. He embodies the principle that education is a lifelong journey. When he took charge of the journalism department in his college, his innate intellectual curiosity was piqued. To better understand the field and inspire his students, he invited seasoned journalists for interactions.
However, true to his nature, he wasn’t content with just facilitating knowledge; he wanted to master it himself. Driven by a genuine interest in the subject, he enrolled in a Master’s degree program in Journalism and Mass Communication at the Karnataka State Open University. In a remarkable testament to his lifelong dedication to learning, he earned his degree with distinction in 2025. Earning a Master’s at the age of 60 is not just another feather in his cap; it is a powerful lesson in itself, demonstrating that the pursuit of knowledge has no expiration date.
As a Nodal Officer of Youth Red Cross
His commitment to service found a powerful new channel when he was appointed as the Youth Red Cross (YRC) Nodal Officer for Mangalore University. With characteristic energy, he revitalized the YRC across affiliated colleges in Kodagu, Udupi, and Dakshina Kannada districts. In a groundbreaking achievement, he pioneered a formal syllabus for the Youth Red Cross, integrating it into the academic curriculum—making Mangalore University the first in the state to do so.
He fostered a culture of participation by instituting university-level awards to recognize the best YRC volunteers and officers. This initiative inspired colleges to actively organize programs on health, social welfare, disaster management, blood donation, and first aid. During the COVID-19 pandemic, his leadership was crucial as he mobilized students to support healthcare workers at the district hospital. A standout initiative was establishing a student internship program at Wenlock Hospital, a legacy that continues to thrive with students from various colleges actively participating.
For his transformative contributions, the Youth Red Cross of Mangalore University was honoured with a state-level award, the first such recognition for any university in Karnataka. For this exceptional achievement, Dr. Gowda was personally honoured by the Honourable Governor, Thawar Chand Gehlot, who presented him with a certificate of award.
Today, Dr. Ganapathi Gowda stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance. The boy who once guarded an Arecanut garden now guards a rich heritage of Karnataka. His life proves that poverty cannot stop a dream, and that true education is not only about books but also about courage, gratitude, and the will to help others.
From a small village to the great halls of Mangalore University College, his journey is a message to every student. Circumstances may test you, but they do not decide your future. What truly decides your future is your determination to rise and your heart to help others climb with you.
He recalls his joining in Mangalore University very vividly and with a heart full of gratitude. It was Prof. Dr. M. I. Savadatti, then Vice Chancellor and a doyen in education, who issued his fresh appointment order a second time. In fact, the first order reached Dr. Ganapathi Gowda much later after the joining date. He was working away at Bijapur and the letter rested at home for a while until he came home on a holiday. The date for joining was already over. He came to the university with the letter. It was thought to be an opportunity lost, but the noble hands of the honourable Vice Chancellor signed it again with fresh dates to join.
Dr. Ganapathi Gowda also recalls the Graduation Certificate reaching home by post in a distinguished package. People thought it was a bomb or something and were afraid to open it. Times have changed. Today we live in an educated society. It is the gratitude towards our teachers that helps us live a life of dedication and commitment, he said with emotion while recollecting those tough days. Those memories, he added, are more inspiring than the comfort we enjoy today.
To the future generation, Dr. Gowda’s life speaks softly but powerfully. He reminds young people that success never arrives overnight. It grows slowly, with patience, honesty, and the courage to continue even when life feels unfair. He urges every student to respect their teachers, care for their parents, and never give up on learning. The world may change, but the values of hard work, gratitude, and service will always remain the true foundation of a meaningful life.
