From Orphanage To Assistant Professor: Inspiring Journey Of Kerala Scholar Vijayakumar Ashokan
In an inspiring story of determination and hard work, Vijayakumar Ashokan from Kerala has been appointed as an Assistant Professor in the Malayalam Department at Government Victoria College, Palakkad.
He officially joined the college on February 13, 2026.
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Taking to Facebook, Vijayakumar described the day as one of the most important moments in his life. A permanent government job, he said, brings not only financial stability but also social recognition.
Vijayakumar’s journey to this achievement was filled with challenges.
He lost parental care at the age of three. After spending some years under the care of relatives, he and his siblings were later admitted to Bethleheem Balabhavan in Chengalam East in Kottayam district.
The institution provides shelter, education and support to children who face financial and social difficulties.
He spent 13 years at the orphanage and completed his schooling at St. Antony’s High School in Chengalam. Later, he pursued his degree at St. Thomas College, Pala, where he secured the second rank in the university.
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After completing his degree, Vijayakumar joined Sree Sankaracharya University of Sanskrit in Kalady for his postgraduate studies. During this time, he received the Higher Education Scholarship from the Kerala State Higher Education Council.
While studying for his postgraduate degree, he cleared the UGC NET and JRF examinations. He later moved to the University of Kerala, Kariavattom campus, where he completed his MPhil with first rank.
Under the guidance of Dr C.R. Prasad, he also completed his PhD with a JRF fellowship and is currently waiting for the open defence of his doctoral thesis.
Vijayakumar said education was the only capital he had in life. Despite growing up without financial or social privileges, he achieved success through dedication and hard work.
By sharing his story, Vijayakumar hopes to inspire students from difficult backgrounds to believe that education can change their lives.
