Holding a Master’s degree is no big feat in today’s day and age. But for Bareilly’s Raj Kumar Vaishya, it is indeed a lifetime achievement.
Following the announcement of results for the final year examinations of Masters programme on Monday, Raj Kumar can now proudly call himself a postgraduate degree holder in Economics.
In case you are wondering what is the entire buzz about, Raj Kumar is 97 years old!
Born in 1920, the man had graduated from Agra University all the way back in 1938. And 79 years later, he successfully completed his second innings in higher studies.
His earnest dedication and love for education led to his name finding a place in the Limca Book of Records for being the oldest person in the country to pursue an MA in Economics.
Despite his advanced age, he sought no additional privilege and appeared for the exams like any regular student. Father of three sons, all of whom are retired central government employees, Raj Kumar’s achievement has left even the University officials astounded.
“His zeal and dedication to pursue education is worthy of emulation by one and all”, SP Sinha, who is the University Registrar, told Hindustan Times.
Celebrating his achievement, officials personally went to his residence to congratulate and present him with the mark sheet of the MA examination.
Meanwhile, Raj Kumar’s grandsons rushed home to treat their highflier grandfather with sweets, as soon as they came to know about the results.
The nonagenarian, however, has only one grievance. Having secured second division, he only wishes that had he appeared for the exams earlier; he would have made it in the first division.
“I thank my daughter-in-law Professor Bharti S Kumar, former head of history at Patna University, for regularly standing by my side. She even discontinued watching the serials and movies of her choice on television just to keep me undisturbed,” he told HT.
His daughter-in-law, in turn, is all praises for the old man.
Lauding him for always having encouraged children to pursue education with utmost sincerity, Bharti also added that he had become a role model for everyone in the society.
The man now plans on spending his time writing about socio-economic issues, with a special focus on subjects like poverty and unemployment.
Talk about age being just a number!
Like this story? Or have something to share?
Write to us: contact@thebetterindia.com
Connect with us on Facebook and Twitter.
NEW: Click here to get positive news on WhatsApp!
We bring stories straight from the heart of India, to inspire millions and create a wave of impact. Our positive movement is growing bigger everyday, and we would love for you to join it.
Please contribute whatever you can, every little penny helps our team in bringing you more stories that support dreams and spread hope.