Mangaluru, June 16, 2021: The story of Dr Niyaz Panakaje, Assistant Professor, College of Management and Commerce, Srinivas University, is inspirational to the core. A man coming from a very humble background, it was Niyaz’s sheer determination, hard work and the go-getter attitude that helped him rise to the echelons of success.The abject poverty at home did not deter Niyaz from his goal in life. Niyaz’s father was a daily wager while his mother rolled beedies to help the family eke out a living at Panakaje in Belthangady. From being a mason, to an autorickshaw driver and fish seller, Niyaz had done many odd jobs to fund his education. He has also worked in paddy fields and also delivered newspapers and has even been a receptionist at two lodges.
Niyaz who did his M.Com from St Agnes College, pursued his PhD studies under the guidance of Associate Professor Aboobakker Siddiq of University College. However when he did not receive his scholarship on time, he had to sell fish at Madanthyar and transport fish to Kerala to pay for the fees.
It was a proud moment for him when he received the PhD for this thesis "Role of cooperative banking in socio-economic development of rural Muslim communities — A study in DK district of Karnataka," during the 39th convocation of Mangalore University.