N.B. Nair
Dr Jeteesh Sivadas teaches in a college in the Ernakulam district of Kerala and in the evenings, he slips into the role of a barber on Aluva-Munnar Highway. He is also a film lyricist and wrote songs for two Malayalam films, which are in the pipe for release.
Jeteesh was born and brought up in Manikandan Chaal near Pooyankutty close to the famed Thattekkad Bird Sanctuary. His family was dependent on forest produces like bamboo. Jeteesh also used to lend his hand in weaving bamboo products to support his family.
His initial studies were in a school 10 kilometres from his home and had to cross a river. So, young Jeteesh went to different schools staying with relatives elsewhere. After his tenth standard, he joined his maternal uncle’s shop for training in hairdressing.
After some time, had joined an off-campus course in electronics and telecommunications and worked in an electronic repair shop for some practical experience. “But I discontinued working in the electronic shop as it demanded my entire day and sometimes late into the evenings also and therefore, returned to the barber shop,” Jeteesh Sivadas told Inspirational India.
Interestingly, Jeteesh completed his studies – senior secondary, graduation and post-graduation courses through off-campus mode, by registering directly with the university. While his elective subject for graduation was History, for post-graduation he took Malayalam literature as the main subject for he was keen on the subject.
Jeteesh used to study during his spare time at the barbershop. He never expected to get into a regular job, but passionately continued his studies. He used to read a lot of literature including poetry during his spare time and penned some. Some of his poems and articles appeared in local publications.
It was after his graduation, Jeteesh married his school-time love Baby (single name). The couple has two daughters – the elder one is in tenth standard now and the younger one in second. His wife is a schoolteacher.
Jeteesh’s plan to do Ph.D. course was accidental. A college professor, who came to get his hair dressed opened a dialogue with him and came to know about his education and interests. The professor suggested he appear for National Eligibility Test (NET) to be eligible for employment as assistant professor in colleges recognised by University Grants Commission – the apex governing body for higher education in India.
“I heard about NET for the first time from that professor. I appeared for the national examination in 2010 and qualified. Immediately after the results were announced, I applied for a lectureship at Bharat Mata College in Ernakulam and was selected,” Jeteesh said.
After almost a year of working as a lecturer on a contract basis at Bharat Mata College, I joined a college near my home on the regular rolls – St. Kuriakose College of Management & Science.
“All these years, I continued the family profession working in the evenings and holidays. After teaching in the college, I used to go straight to the shop,” added Jeteesh.
“I thought of doing Ph.D., but the financial situation was not sound to pursue it. It was then that I came to know that the junior research fellowship carries a scholarship of around Rs. 30,000/-. But for that, I should get a top ranking in the National Eligibility Test. It was not easy. I appeared for it, and luckily, I qualified.”
Jeteesh registered for Ph.D. at Mahatma Gandhi University through Union Christian College, Aluva under the guidance of Dr Aju K. Narayanan. “Since I was enamoured with poetry and music, I chose the thesis on cultural criticism of Malayalam author and poet Sreekumaran Thampi’s film lyrics. I completed the research in 2020. During this period, I have written the lyrics for two films, which are yet to hit the theatres.”
Jeteesh confided, he received encouragement from the present college management all through his research and never faced any discrimination. He is now an Assistant Professor at the college.
Jeteesh admitted, he never felt it was below dignity to continue his family profession. He said, some teachers from outside his college complained, it brings a bad name to the profession, as he continued to work in the barbershop, after college hours.
“I do not feel lowly about any one profession or any other as superior. Every profession has its own dignity. The society should change its perception. Ironically, I received respect only after joining the college, but no one recognised me when I was working as a barber,” he lamented.
“I want social acceptance for me as a barber, which has been pursued by my father, brother, and uncles. I try to tell my students and audience during public appearances about the dignity of all jobs,” he opined.
Image courtesy: Dr. Jeteesh Sivadas