Degree at 76; 78-yr-old Sarojini awaits postgraduate results

Thodupuzha: Those who wonder whether there are limits to one’s aspirations should ask KI Sarojini of Chelaplackal House in Kudayathoor, Thodupuzha. At 78, an age when most people would have retired and settled into a quiet life, Sarojini is eagerly awaiting the results of her postgraduate course.

Sarojini’s story is proof that age is no barrier to learning; what one needs is a strong determination. After passing Class 10 in 1966, Sarojini secured a job in the Income Tax Department. She went on to balance family and professional life. It was after retiring as an administrative officer in 2008 that she revived her long-cherished desire to study. She decided that continuing her education was a better way to remain active than leading a monotonous retired life. What followed was a remarkable success story.

She passed Plus 2 in 2020 and enrolled for a degree course the same year. Studying through online classes and voice notes during the COVID-19 pandemic, she earned a BA in History from Thodupuzha M.G. College in 2024 at the age of 76. After completing her degree, she wanted to pursue MA as well. She enrolled for the postgraduate course in 2024, which she also pursued online. She has now completed the MA and appeared for the fourth-semester examination and is awaiting the results.

Having teachers who were the age of her children and classmates who were as young as her grandchildren was a unique experience for Sarojini. With the support of everyone around her, she thoroughly enjoyed her studies.

Her husband, late Ayyappan C.R., was a retired Income Tax Department official. They have two sons, Vimal Raj and Vipin Raj.

Sarojini says that with determination and a clear goal, anyone can pursue and achieve their dreams, regardless of age.