Today, I'm going to share an inspiring story of Khan Dadi, a venerable great-grandmother who, against all odds, realised her lifelong aspiration of acquiring the ability to read and write.
I'm talking of a 92-year-old Salima Khan of Chawli village in Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, who is a testament to this resilience. She was married at the tender age of 14. She became a mother, grandmother and then great grandmother, but remained confined within the four walls of her house, away from the realm of education.
The irony lies in the fact that a mere five meters away from her home stands a government primary school. Each morning, she would listen to the joyful squeals of children, akin to the melodious chirping of birds.
Approximately eight months ago, one day Khan Dadi decided to surmount this barrier. She crossed the road and requested the Headmistress of the School to allow her to sit in the classroom. Initially hesitant to educate someone of such advanced years, the Headmistress yielded to Khan Dadi's passion, unable to bluntly deny such an elderly lady.
Her maiden day at the school marked a unique chapter in the autumn of her life. Her hands trembled with nervousness. She didn't know how to hold a pen. Nevertheless, her heart brimmed with boundless joy, for it signified the commencement of her lifelong educational pursuit.
The little children were amused to see a classmate as elderly as their great-grandmother, sitting with them. They would often gather around her to see her toothless grins at their pranks.
She is frail and needs assistance while walking, but that was not a big deal. It didn't stop her from getting ready with the same enthusiasm as a kid. She now proudly proclaims, "I can sign my name and count currency notes."
Just last week, she undertook a literacy test as part of the central government's Sakshar Bharat Abhiyan, designed for
non-literates of 15 years and above. Khan Dadi exudes confidence that she has done well.
Regardless of the test's outcome, she has already triumphed in the realm of determination, serving as a beacon of inspiration to countless others along her journey.
Seeing Khan Dadi's zeal, 25 women from the village including two of her daughters-in-law have stepped forward to join the school. Encouraged by this heartening development, the school has started separate sessions tailored for seniors.
Salima Khan's story stands as a resounding affirmation that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age boundaries. Her name can be recorded in the Guinness World Records for starting studies at the oldest age. Till now this record is in the name of Kimani Nganga Maruge of Kenya, who has passed away, is listed as the oldest person to get enrolled for primary school in 2004 at the age of 84.
Encountering such narratives in the morning undeniably infuses one's day with a profound sense of joy and inspiration.
--Kaushal Kishore
images: toi
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