Bhubaneswar, Aug 23 - Two-time legislator and once an MP, Narayan Sahu now wants to be a master of philosophy. The 71-year-old has just enrolled himself at a postgraduate course at Utkal University.

The native of Gelheikateni village in the district of Dhenkanal, some 190 km from state capital Bhubaneswar, had graduated with economics honours in 1963. Then he joined the Congress, became a legislator from Pallahara in 1971, was re-elected in 1974, and won the parliamentary election from Deogarh in 1980.

But once Indira Gandhi was assassinated, Sahu lost interest in politics.

'I have had a moderately successful political career. But after some time I lost interest in politics, especially after the death of Indira Gandhi,' Sahu told IANS.

'Once I turned 70, I pondered what I would do as I have still many years left in my life. So I decided to continue my studies. First I thought of doing my postgraduation in economics, then I thought philosophy is the right subject for me considering my age as I am passing through Banaprastha - the third phase of life,' he laughed.

In Vedic tradition, human life is divided into four stages, of which the third, vanaprastha, is spent in meditation in forests.

After deciding to continue his studies, Sahu's problem was to find his old certificates.

'I had little idea where my graduation certificates would be since they had lost their relevance for me. Since I did not have a regular job I had almost forgotten my certificates. After searching for a couple of days I recovered my old certificates which had turned pale and yellow,' he said.

After dusting off the old certificates he applied for the course, prepared for 15 days, sat for an admission test, and passed.

'I was a good student throughout. Though I was not worried about my marks earlier I was worried about this entrance test. A couple of days after the entrance test one of my friends rang me up when I was in Ahmedabad and told me about the result.