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Auckland, July 13, 2024
Indian Newslink Columnist Thilliar Varnakulasingham achieved yet another distinction recently with the award of the Distinguished Scholar in Interdisciplinary Studies.
The Octogenarian, who holds a world record (more than 3000) for the largest number of Degrees, Diplomas and Certificates, received the honour from the International Association for Quality Assurance in Pre-Tertiary & Higher Education based in the United Kingdom.
Mr Varnakulasingham has the distinction of being the first person to be honoured with the Distinguished Scholar Award in 2024.
This honour is bestowed upon exceptional individuals who have shown a lifelong commitment to advancing education, academic scholarship, and professional development. His illustrious career and remarkable achievements make him a deserving laureate. His remarkable academic and professional journey is a testament to the power of lifelong learning and a passion for making a positive impact.
The Formative Years
After completing his primary and secondary education at Union College at Tellippalai,
Sri Lanka, Mr Varnakulasingham continued his studies, earning his BSc degree from the University of Madras in 1963. His thirst for knowledge did not stop there.
Over the following decades, he engaged in extensive distance learning programs with a diverse array of prestigious institutions, including Massey University, Curtin University, Auckland University of Technology, the Open University of Britain, and many more.
Mr Varnakulasingam’s academic and professional accomplishments are truly impressive. He was elected as a Fellow Chartered Educator (FCE) by the International Council of CCLP Worldwide, a Member of the World Education Research Association, and a Fellow of the College of Preceptors (London), now known as the College of Teachers.
He also holds many other qualifications in fields such as linguistics, legal studies, archaeology, history, commerce, marketing, transport administration, hospitality management, engineering, technology and many others.
Beyond his scholarly pursuits, Mr Varnakulasingham has been recognised for his outstanding contributions in other areas as well. He has received awards for his work in sports, engineering, film studies, journalism, and voluntary service, demonstrating his multifaceted talents and commitment to making a difference in his community.
Despite his various accolades, Mr Varnakulasingham remains humble and committed to the transformative power of education. He believes that lifelong learning is the key to personal and professional growth, and he has been an inspiration to countless individuals who have had the privilege of learning from him.
Dedication to Excellence
The Distinguished Scholar in Interdisciplinary Studies Award recognises his lifelong dedication to academic excellence, his pioneering contributions to the field of education, and his unwavering commitment to empowering students and fellow educators.
As an esteemed educator, scholar, and lifelong learner, Mr Varnakulasingam’s legacy will continue to inspire and guide generations of students and educators to come. His story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the importance of never stopping the pursuit of knowledge.
Stepping out of his comfort zone, Mr Singham, who is now 82, completed 1000 LinkedIn learning courses with Certificates, gaining 40 different skills at varying levels. He received the ‘Super Platinum Certificate,’ stated to be the highest accolade from Digital Defynd for completing more than 50 courses in Home Economics last year.
Mr Varnakulasingham is an Official Ambassador for the American Sexual Health Association and a Certified Sexologist of the American College of Sexologists (International).
An ACS Certified Sex Educator will have credentials that qualify them to offer instruction, training and education in the field of human sexuality and sexology.
He was admitted a Professional Member (MRSNZ) of the Royal Society of New Zealand in 2007. In addition to other requirements, the usual requirement is a PhD or Master’s qualification. In 1867 it started as the New Zealand Institute. In 1867 the name was changed to Royal Society of New Zealand with the approval of King George V.
