UP: Retired in 1992, woman back in class at 87

LUCKNOW: The last time she sat for an examination was in 1955. Decades later, 87-year-old Lakshmi Srivastava is ready to appear for exams once again with her will to lead a healthy life as an inspiration.
At a time when rest of her friends are leading a reclusive life, Lakshmi decided to enrol in a certificate programme in food and nutrition offered by Indira Gandhi National Open University.
Living in a Mahanagar-based old age hospital, Lakshmi is now waiting for her course material to be delivered.IGNOU officials said that the retired principal of a government school she is the oldest woman from the state capital to enrol in a certificate course in their university. “I enrolled in the six-month course related to food and nutrition because I think I will benefit directly from the knowledge. Eating right is a must for healthy ageing and it will help me lead a better life,” she said.
Armed with two masters degrees in Sanskrit and geography, Lakshmi said she was drawn to the idea when she met IGNOU officials who had come to the old-age home to spend time with the residents. While talking to the senior citizens, the university officials told the former about a few courses. While 50 other residents did not give the offer a second thought, the idea did strike a connect with Lakshmi. “She has proved that there is no age for learning. Lakshmiji finished her studies in 1955 and retired from service in 1992,” said assistant director of IGNOU regional centre (Lucknow), Kirti Vikram Singh. Her decision to resume her studies has also inspired other residents of the old age home. One of the senior citizens living in the old age home, Paras Nath Pathak (93) said that pursuing a course was a great way to keep away negative thoughts.
Regional director of IGNOU, Manorama Singh, said, “Lakshmi is a role model for the elderly. IGNOU will bear cost of her education as we want her to be an example for other residents of the old age home.”