Every year, thousands of students are taught that education is the key to a better future. A degree, they were told, could open doors. Hard work will pay off in the end.For Dr. E. Thirumalai Raja, the journey certainly reflects hard work. He gained multiple academic qualifications, earned a PhD in English Literature, published research papers, delivered keynote addresses at conferences and spent several years teaching students. However, after completing his course as a guest lecturer at Presidency College, Chennai, he often took up another role – that of a taxi driver – to supplement his income.His story has recently gained traction on social media, not because he regrets becoming a teacher, but because it highlights the reality faced by many highly qualified guest teachers across the country who, despite their impressive academic credentials, are still waiting for stable employment.
A teacher with extraordinary talents academic journey
Dr. Thirumalai Raja’s academic profile cannot be ignored.He holds a PhD and a Master’s degree. In addition to his undergraduate degree in English literature, he also holds a bachelor’s degree in English literature, a master’s degree in psychology, a master’s degree in English literature, a bachelor’s degree in education (B.Ed.), and a diploma in teacher education (DTEd.).His doctoral research examined dark humor in the novels of Upamanyu Chatterjee, while his earlier research explored the works of Rabindranath Tagore and Bernard Shaw.In addition to earning his degree, he is actively involved in academia. Over the years, he has published research papers in academic journals, presented papers at international and national conferences, chaired technical conferences, delivered keynote speeches, and lectured 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 taxi to make ends meet after teaching at Chennai College
Not just a lecturer
As a guest lecturer in the Department of English at Presidency College, Dr. Thirumalai Raja has responsibilities that go far beyond classroom teaching.He has served as IQAC Coordinator, coordinated examination activities, guided National Service Scheme (NSS) and Youth Red Cross projects, contributed to the grievance redressal mechanism, developed question papers for universities and colleges, and even mentored students through Toastmasters activities aimed at improving communication skills.He also serves as the Coordinator of the Tamil Nadu Open University and has given invitational lectures at educational institutions across Tamil Nadu.His resume reflects the career of a man dedicated to teaching and student development.
Why his story resonates
Despite his extensive qualifications and years of academic service, Dr. Thirumalai Raja continues to serve as a visiting lecturer—a position that often provides limited financial security compared to a permanent teaching appointment.According to posts shared on social media, he supplemented his income by driving a taxi after college. The story resonated with many and sparked discussion about the challenges faced by contract and guest faculty in higher education.For students, his journey offers two important lessons.The first is that learning never ends. Even after earning multiple graduate degrees and a PhD, Dr. Thirumalai Raja continued to publish research, speak at conferences, and expand his knowledge across disciplines.Second, dignity lies in doing things honestly. Rather than let financial hardship interrupt his duties as a teacher, he chose to take on additional work while continuing to do what he loved most—teaching.His story is also a reminder that academic achievement and career opportunities don’t always go hand in hand. Behind many classrooms are educators who quietly go above and beyond their formal duties out of commitment to their students despite facing personal and professional challenges.As discussions around higher education increasingly focus on high-quality teaching and research, stories like Dr. Thirumalai Raja’s encourage a broader conversation that recognizes and supports talented educators who continue to shape the minds of young people as they navigate uncertain career paths.Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available information as well as details shared on social media about Dr. E. Thirumalai Raja’s academic profile and career journey. This information is for educational and informational purposes only.
