Being rolled up to the stage in a wheelchair, 98-year-old Raj Kumar Vaishya looks up in eager anticipation. He smiles, and stretches out his hand for his new Master's degree.
The 98-year-old graduated with a master’s degree in Economics with a second division, from Patna's Nalanda Open University. He was awarded his degree by Bihar Governor Satya Pal Malik.
Raj Kumar entered the 2017 Limca Book of Records as the oldest person to apply for a postgraduate degree.
He completed his BA in 1938, and his LLB in 1940 from Agra University, but claims that he had to discontinue studying further due to family responsibilities.
I needed to earn a living, educate my three children. With three sons studying in different universities, at the end of the month, we barely had enough left to eat. So I sacrificed everything and thought once my kids are settled, I will be free of all duties.Raj Kumar Vaishya, Student
His son, Santosh Kumar, claims that his father was motivated to study because of the academic atmosphere in the house.
My wife and I take classes, and in the evening, we teach underprivileged kids. So my father felt everyone except him was studying. He told me he also wanted to study.Santosh Kumar, Son
His son and daughter-in-law had their doubts when he told them about his plans to pursue a degree, and they suggested that he study at home, but they realised he wanted a regular organised study routine.
His daughter-in-law, Bharti Kumar, helped enroll him at Nalanda University, and was thrilled at the news of him passing the degree.
His passion, hard work, and sincerity is very rare. It’s a rare achievement and a rare dedication too.Bharti Kumar, Daughter-in-law
Claiming that 80 percent of India is illiterate, Raj Kumar Vaishya feels that literacy goes beyond merely knowing how to read and write. No one, he claims, can be truly literate if he/she doesn’t understand their own rights.
Considering his education to be a milestone, the 98-year-old, who has almost become a celebrity in his neighbourhood, wants to now make use of his understanding to write about issues that matter.
A smile now decorates Raj Kumar’s face as he holds his degree. When asked what he wants to say to generations younger than him, he says his only message is to “always keep trying.”
Video Editor: Purnendu Pritam
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