Mysuru: For the first time in the history of the 102-year-old University of Mysore, a visually challenged person has become a head of the department. The 50-year-old Krishna Hombal, who was the first visually challenged in South India to be absorbed into the university rolls in 1999 and who is serving as Assistant Professor in Political Science and Public Administration department, University of Mysore took charge as the Chairman or head of the same department on September 7. Across the state, he is the first visually challenged to become chairman in university.
Krishna Hombal, born with visual impairment, is a highly respected man in the department. Since his appointment to UoM in 1999, he has been actively involved in not only teaching students but also in all departmental activities. S N Hegde, who was the vice chancellor when Krishna was appointed had even mentioned that he had been appointed purely on merits and not on any sympathy. Before taking up pre-university course, Krishna had undergone two years Technical Course with Basic General Mechanic as the Trade at Technical Training Institute NAB, Karnataka Branch Bengaluru. Though he came out with flying colours in the course and passed the exam successfully with outstanding performance in theory, he was not happy with his practical performance and hence decided to enter teaching profession and got admitted for PU at Karnataka Arts College Dharwad (1987-89) and passed with 69 percent and later completed BA degree from Karnataka Arts College Dharwad 1989-92 with 66.8 percent. He was awarded the Chandrashekara Patel Memorial Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in BA Political Science. This award was a turning point in life. After degree, he did his post graduiation in Political Science at the Department of Post-Graduate And Research Studies in Political Science, Karnataka University, Dharwad and completed it by scoring 63 percent. Later, he was awarded a doctorate for his thesis, “Dynamics of India and World Trade Organization (WTO): Responses of National Political Parties- An Analysis” by University of Mysore.
Speaking to Newskarnataka, Krishna Hombal said, “Political Science was my subject of interest. When I was doing my degree I was very much influenced by Professor Usha Murthy. She used to guide me and even created hopes in me. After getting Chandrashekara Patel Memorial Gold Medal for scoring highest marks in Political Science in BA, my hope was strengthened. After I got this award, I received recognition from the public for the fact that challenged persons can do something if they get opportunities. My parents also felt great.
Under my guidance five students have obtained Ph D, 16 students M Phil and I have published more than 40 research articles. A lot needs to be done. Though for society, assuming HoD’s position looks new, it’s not new for for me. During the last 19 years of my teaching experience in the department, I have learnt closely how the previous HoDs functioned and tried my level best to help them. I want to contribute to the department but it all depends on the cooperation of UoM administration, fraternity and students. At present we have just two faculties. I want to increase it further and bring in a lot of changes. If there is a need to progress in academics, more seminars and conferences need to be taken up. I will try to give my best in my two-year term.”
Professor G T Ramachandrappa who handed over the charge to Krishna, said, “I really feel honoured to hand over the charge to Krishna who is highly talented. I have served as HoD for three terms. He is not only good in the subject but also in departmental works. He is always there to help you out. He also shares a very good rapport with the students. I am very confident that he will do good work during his tenure and we will also help him in his endeavours.” On Sunday, September 9, the Vikala Vikasa Trust felicitated him on his new appointed. lathi-charge during bundh
