Every year, thousands of students are told that education is the key to a better future. Degrees, they are told, open doors. Hard work eventually pays off.For Dr E. Thirumalai Raja, the journey certainly reflects hard work. He earned multiple academic qualifications, completed a PhD in English Literature, published research papers, delivered keynote lectures at conferences and spent years teaching students. Yet, after finishing classes as a guest lecturer at Chennai’s Presidency College, he often takes up another role—that of a cab driver—to supplement his income.His story has recently drawn attention on social media, not because he regrets becoming a teacher, but because it highlights the reality faced by many highly qualified guest faculty members across the country who continue to wait for stable employment despite impressive academic credentials.
A teacher with an extraordinary academic journey
Dr Thirumalai Raja’s academic profile is difficult to overlook.He holds a PhD and M.Phil. in English Literature, a Master’s degree in Psychology, a Master’s degree in English Literature, a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.), a Diploma in Teacher Education (D.T.Ed.), besides his undergraduate degree in English Literature.His doctoral research examined black humour in the novels of Upamanyu Chatterjee, while his earlier research explored the writings of Rabindranath Tagore and George Bernard Shaw.Beyond earning degrees, he has remained actively involved in academia. Over the years, he has published research papers in academic journals, presented papers at international and national conferences, chaired technical sessions, delivered keynote addresses and conducted lectures on English communication, literary criticism, digital humanities and soft skills.His interests extend beyond literature to educational psychology, linguistics, cultural studies and personality development.
PhD scholar Dr E Thirumalai Raja drives a cab after teaching at Chennai college to support his livelihood
More than a lecturer
As a guest lecturer in the Department of English at Presidency College, Dr Thirumalai Raja has taken on responsibilities that go well beyond classroom teaching.He has served as an IQAC Coordinator, coordinated examination activities, guided National Service Scheme (NSS) and Youth Red Cross programmes, contributed to grievance redressal mechanisms, set question papers for universities and colleges and even mentored students through Toastmasters activities aimed at improving communication skills.He has also worked as a facilitator for the Tamil Nadu Open University and delivered invited lectures at educational institutions across Tamil Nadu.His résumé reflects the career of someone deeply invested in teaching and student development.
Why his story is resonating
Despite his qualifications and years of academic service, Dr Thirumalai Raja continues to work as a guest lecturer—a position that often offers limited financial security compared to permanent teaching appointments.According to posts shared on social media, he supplements his income by driving a cab after college hours. The story has struck a chord with many people, prompting discussions about the challenges faced by contractual and guest faculty members in higher education.For students, his journey offers two important lessons.The first is that learning never stops. Even after earning multiple postgraduate degrees and a doctorate, Dr Thirumalai Raja continued publishing research, speaking at conferences and expanding his knowledge across disciplines.The second is that dignity lies in honest work. Rather than allowing financial challenges to interrupt his responsibilities as a teacher, he chose to take up additional work while continuing to do what he loves most—teaching.His story also serves as a reminder that academic excellence and career opportunities do not always move at the same pace. Behind many classrooms are educators who quietly go beyond their formal duties, driven by a commitment to their students despite personal and professional challenges.As discussions around higher education increasingly focus on quality teaching and research, stories like Dr Thirumalai Raja’s encourage a broader conversation about recognising and supporting talented educators who continue to shape young minds while navigating uncertain career paths.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information and details shared on social media regarding Dr E. Thirumalai Raja’s academic profile and professional journey. The information is intended for educational and informational purposes only.
