85-year-old Fort Worth man earned his doctorate as a promise to himself and his entire family

ARLINGTON, Texas — A father and son celebrated a moment they have waited years to happen on Friday afternoon. Dr. Rohit Sharma helped his 85-year-old dad put on his graduation robe at the University of Texas at Arlington’s commencement ceremony.

"Really proud, very, very proud of what he's done," said Rohit. Dr. Ramesh Sharma’s accomplishment comes years after retirement and both men now share the same title.



Earning his doctorate fulfills a lifelong promise Ramesh made to himself and his family. "This is my commitment that I will do something which brings a name to my parents, my ancestors, and my generations to come," Ramesh said. Ramesh was born in Narowal, Pakistan, and raised in Ludhiana, India.

In Punjab, he earned a degree in mechanical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology in Madras in 1967. Following several years in the civilian Indian naval forces, he immigrated to the U.S.

in 1976. His career landed him in Texas, Michigan, and Connecticut before he settled in Fort Worth in 1986. Ramesh joined other graduates receiving their degrees at Globe Life Fieldhouse during UTA’s commencement ceremony.

After retiring from his career as a mechanical engineer, Dr. Sharma returned to school, earning a master’s degree in 2014, but he had bigger education dreams. He achieved his Ph.

D. in mathematics after 10 years, taking one class at a time. "It's certainly a source of inspiration for me just watching his entire story," said Rohit.

His father's story involves challenges, but Dr. Sharma credits much of his success to his wife of 51 years. "I am very grateful to my wife who bears all those things, me staying out in the university in the night," said Dr.

Ramesh Sharma. Standing by his side on stage, his wife joined him in celebrating receiving his doctorate in math..