PhD triumphs over disability

TT, Cooch Behar, Feb. 6: A physically disabled youth from here was handed over doctoral degree in agricultural genetics today at the fifth convocation of Uttar Banga Krishi Vishwavidyalaya.

Sanjib Bhadra, 29, who is a resident of Ghughumari village on the outskirts of Cooch Behar town, suffers from nerve problems and cannot walk on his own.

"I am happy to finish my research and finally got my PhD. I feel very satisfied. I will put in my best efforts for the development of agriculture," Bhadra said.

Bengal governor K.N. Tripathi handed over the PhD degrees to 21 researchers, including Sanjib.

Sources said Bhadra had finished his schooling at Jenkins School here and took admission to the four-year BSc course in UBKV in 2006. "He also did his masters from the same varsity and for four years, he had been engaged in his research - 'Genetics and Plant Breeding-Work on Rice,' said a source.

Last year, he got a job in the state agriculture department and joined the district seed firm at Vivekananda Street here as an assistant director's.

Bhadra had developed the nerve problem in childhood and he cannot move his hands properly.

Subodh Chandra Bhadra, Sanjib's father, who runs a garments shop, said: "Few years ago, Sanjib could walk with the help of others. But these days, his attendant carries him wherever he goes. Despite physical problems, he has always remained focused on studies. Today, it is a proud moment for us."

Jaya, Sanjib's mother, said my son had to struggle a lot to reach this position.