Motte Manja becomes Dr Manje Gowda with a phone call

Mandya: If you thought years of study is required to get an honorary doctorate then you are in for some surprise. That’s right because in this small town from Mandya a phone call and one lakh rupees seems to be enough to get an honorary doctorate.

For Manje Gowda alias Motte Gowda this deal was a dream come true as he always longed to have a degree affixed to his name. Despite making enough money selling eggs in the district, Motte felt that because of his illiteracy he was looked down by others in the society. However, he now introduces himself as Dr. Manje Gowda after getting an honorary doctorate.

Nearly 300 people, across the Mandya-Mysuru region have got honorary doctorates in two convocations held in July-August alone. The ceremonies were held by the National Virtual University for Peace and Education , based in Kammanahalli, Bengaluru. While the first convocation was held in Bengaluru, the second – a closed-door affair in Kalamandira, Mysuru – was held on Saturday, with 153 people being awarded honorary doctorates for social service.