The Koraga community, said to be the original inhabitants of the coastal district, still has very few members who have pursued higher education. In this context, Ashwitha of Rangankere, Barkur, has been awarded a doctorate for her thesis submitted at St. Philomena's College (Autonomous), Bannimantap, under the University of Mysore, under the guidance of Dr. Noor Mubashir C.A.
Dr. Ashwitha received her primary education, from anganwadi through the first standard onwards, at Sri Durgaparameshwari Private Higher Primary School, Rangankere. She then completed her secondary education at Maryknol School, Barkur, followed by her Pre-University (PUC) education at National Junior College, Barkur. She subsequently pursued her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work degrees at Rukmini Shedthi Memorial National Government First Grade College and Center for Studies. She is the youngest daughter of Ganesh Barkur and Anitha, a couple actively involved in various Koraga organizations across the district.
For her research, she submitted her doctoral thesis titled "A Study on Hospital Anxiety and Psychosocial Status of Women Undergoing Chemotherapy for Blood Cancer," presented in English in the subject of Social Work, and was awarded her Ph.D. degree.