A once disenchanted student who openly despised books and considered studying a mere waste of time has defied all odds.
23-year-old Lakhnarayan Bhagarathi, popularly known as ‘Ryan,’ has emerged victorious as the proud holder of a Master of Science Degree in Forest Biology, marked by an impeccable 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
Lakhnarayan Bhagarathi, popularly known as ‘Ryan.’ [Photo credit: AP Vivid Snaps]
CHILDHOOD REFLECTIONS
Hailing from Line Path ‘C,’ Skeldon, in Berbice, Ryan fondly reminisces about his upbringing in a financially constrained but close-knit family.
Growing up was a memorable and fun time. I grew up in a poor family in which we could not get anything we wanted. Our parents would try to give us what they were able to afford. I remember the days when we were so poor that we used to run around the streets half-clothed, playing with our friends. My brother, myself, and our friends used to take hook and line and catch fish in nearby trenches and ponds for a meal.
I remember when we also went to the backdam with our father to catch fish just to survive. We used to go fruit and vegetable hunting in search of the next meal. I remember well as a secondary student; I used to sell provisions at the Skeldon market until, one time, I was hospitalized for food poisoning. Life was not always a bed of roses for me; I struggled, scratched, and clawed my way to what I wanted.
ACADEMIC TRIUMPHS
Transitioning from a challenging childhood, this avid cricket player excelled academically.
He attained 14 subjects in the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination and transitioned to the University of Guyana (UG), where he pursued an Associate of Science (A.Sc.) in Biology.
After the quick transition from high school to university, I had the mentality where I despised books and viewed studying as irrelevant. My objective at this point was just to go and pursue something to please my family. After starting on this wonderful path, I began to see the beauty, and my love for Biology began to develop. This is due to the excellent lecturers and mentorship that I had coming from Mr. Phillip Da Silva, Ms. Ferial Pestano-Gupta, Ms. Chalasa Cossiah, and Ms. Yunita Arjune.
JOURNEY TO UNIVERSITY AND PASSION FOR BIOLOGY
In 2019, Ryan graduated from UG with distinction and asked his parents to read for his Bachelor of Science in Biology.
He was allowed and, in 2021, graduated with another distinction and copped the title of best graduating student in the Bachelor of Science biology program.
My parents were elated that the same very son who wanted nothing to do with U.G, any of its programs, wanted to drop out and never wanted to even attend is requesting another opportunity to further his studies. They never objected but encouraged me to proceed forward so that I could find my path and satisfy my desires. My love for Biology consumed me slowly, and before you knew it, I completed my ethnopharmacological plant-based research and graduated in 2021 with my B.Sc. degree. Within those four years that flew so quickly, I was a graduate biologist specializing in traditional medicine that originates from medicinal and herbal plants.
In November 2023, this 23-year-old Berbice resident graduated from UG with his Master of Science (M.Sc.) in Forest Biology, where he attained the perfect 4.0 GPA.
Ryan flanked by his family [Photo credit: AP Vivid Snaps]
The master’s journey proved both challenging and fruitful for Ryan. However, according to him, “words cannot express the feeling of passing with a perfect GPA, noting that it symbolizes hard work, countless sleepless nights, dedication, and perseverance.
As I said, ‘Biology will always be my first true love.’ I became a better researcher in my field of interest and expanded my knowledge of science to a new level and a wider scope. With an additional two years of study to the four that were completed for my M.Sc., I became a more specialized biologist. I am now a lichenologist who studies the algal and fungi symbionts (lichens) and their diversity in the coastal ecosystems of Guyana. Furthermore, the research I conducted brought about new records of species that are nonnative to Guyana and will contribute to the increase in Guyana’s lichen flora and rich biodiversity.
Ryan credits his success to divine grace, his parents, Surendra Bhagarathi and Shanta Youngkam, and the dedication of mentors like Mr. Phillip Da Silva and Professor Gomathinagayam Subramanian.
Expressing gratitude to lecturers, friends, advisors, and colleagues, he acknowledges the collaborative effort that shaped his academic journey.
BALANCING WORK AND EDUCATION
A testament to his commitment, Ryan served as the sole administrator of a charitable NGO while teaching science subjects. From free online classes during the pandemic to now teaching at the Central Corentyne Secondary School. He was also recently appointed part-time lecturer at the University of Guyana Berbice Campus.
Sometimes, it can be quite hard and frustrating to balance work with studies as well as social and personal life. I would not hide the fact that, from time to time, I would sit and cry on many occasions. However, I try to stay committed and motivated to succeed in both my studies and my jobs. I try to plan and start early and ahead of tasks and work to meet deadlines. I also try not to procrastinate, and although I am struggling, I try to be disciplined and hope for the best to attain my self-goals and expectations. Additionally, I give myself adequate relaxation time where I make time for my friends, social media, some relaxation time and activities.
FUTURE ASPIRATIONS
Looking forward, Ryan aspires to be a documented lecturer at the University of Guyana, aiming to reshape student perceptions of science. His goal is to provide an enriching scientific experience he never had—an experience that lasts a lifetime.
Most of the work encircling my researches are based on botany (study of plants), zoology (study of animals), ethno-pharmacology (traditional medicines from herbal and medicinal plants), lichenology (study of lichens), biodiversity, and climate change. I want to add that completing my two years of thesis research for my Master’s degree was no easy task. Conducting research, field expeditions, and data analysis was quite expensive, and I must say it cost me blood, sweat, and tears.
