Age no bar for Rajni as she takes Class X exam with son

Naina Mishra

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, March 20

Age is just a number in pursuit of your dreams, says 44-year-old Rajni Bala, who is appearing for Class X exams of the Punjab State Education Board (PSEB) after a gap of 29 years along with her 16-year-old son in Ludhiana.

Rajni, who is a part-time ward attendant at Civil Hospital here, is taking Class X examinations at Government High School, Haibowal Kalan. She passed Class IX in 1989 from Arya Girls High School (Taran Taran). Owing to family reasons, she dropped out just two days before the commencement of Class X examinations.

Rajni, after taking the exam, said: “It feels as if I am back to the childhood phase. The credit goes to my husband for being a motivational force. He has been coaxing me for many years to complete my studies. It is only after I realized that my qualification is becoming a stumbling block in availing promotions that I decided to complete my studies. I am looking forward to completing my graduation.”

Her routine nowadays is no less than a Herculean task amid household chores and exams. She wakes up early at 4 am to study. Meanwhile, she also prepares three meals a day for her family. In the idle hours, Rajni visits a nearby private school where teachers help her in studies. She says: “My husband and son have been pillars of my strength. They help me a lot.”

Rajni is not alone who has decided to study after a long gap. Her Husband Rajkumar also completed his studies after 17 years. He passed Class X in 1987 and resumed further studies in 2004. He is a graduate now.

Rajkumar, who is a journalist, says: “I couldn’t complete my studies due to poverty. I realised that to pace up with changing times, one has to change his outlook first. It is how you perceive things around you matters. When she (wife) will understand the value of education, she will be able to pass it on to the next generation.”

Deepak, son of Rajni, has plans to study with his mother until she completes her graduation. He says: “I also help my mother with studies. Now, we will study together until graduation.”