Plz improve this

Hello!!
I have written this letter for astudent wanting to do his Phd in philosophy. He seeks guidance from a teacher.

Dear Sir
Plz accept my namaskar[an indian word for bowing one's head to show respect] and deep regards.
I am Raj Kishore Patra and I have been a student of philosophy for 5 years. I have completed my masters and now I am interested in doing a Phd. in the same subject After my discussions with some senior students and teachers, I am now convinced about the importance of choosing the right topic and the person under whose guidance one will carry out the research. Dr D.R.Sahoo has highly recommended you as one the most caring and helpful guides.

It would be great help If I could fix an appointment with you for a private audience. I certainly stand in need of the counseling [or advice?] of an experienced person like yourself before I go ahead with my studies. Your assessment of my skills and suggestions regarding the selection of a research topic are the first few steps on which lies my future success.

I look forward to hearing fro you.
Thank you
Yours sincerely