Love for knowledge: Kerala engineer awarded PhD four years after death

Kasargod: In a rare honour, M. Ramachandran, a civil engineer from Pallikkara, Nileshwar, has been awarded PhD by Kannur University, four years after his sudden death. The certificate was recently received by his widow, V. Jayalakshmi, who was visibly emotional.

Ramachandran, a retired Chief Engineer from Kerala Police Housing & Construction Corporation, pursued studies throughout his life. After completing his civil engineering degree at Regional Engineering College, Kozhikode, he joined Goa Government Engineering College as a faculty member. He later earned a postgraduate degree and worked in water authorities, public works, and irrigation departments. Alongside his professional career, he also completed LLB, SAP software courses, and studied astrology.

While still in service, Ramachandran began research in civil engineering at Kannur University, under the guidance of Dr V.I. Beena, then professor at the Civil Engineering Department, Kannur Government Engineering College. He submitted his thesis on March 30, 2021, focusing on the relationship between astrology and numerology. On June 11, 2021, he suffered a heart attack, cutting his life and academic pursuits short.

His widow, Jayalakshmi, a former LIC engineer in Bengaluru, worked tirelessly to ensure his academic legacy. With the support of Dr Beena, the university allowed the necessary revisions to be submitted posthumously. Finally, on November 4, 2025, the Syndicate of Kannur University awarded the PhD.

Ramachandran is survived by Jayalakshmi and their two children, Akshay Ram and Adwaith Ram, both MBBS students.