Age is not a barrier, but a number: Basanti Saikia, 53, woman from Dhakuakhana, passes HS exam

Lakhimpur: People generally have this notion that student life is for learning, middle age is for working and old age is for resting. To some extent, this thinking is correct, but its generalization may not be correct in the sense that age is not a hindrance in learning if there is a strong will. One’s life beyond 50 or retirement does not mean that one will stop learning or receiving education. Reading, writing and learning are three important parameters that are required not only to oil the rusty mind but also to measure its current state. If a person is old but physically healthy and is in a comfortable environment, he can concentrate his abilities towards learning. This has been proved by a 53 year old woman living in Dhakuakhana sub-division of Lakhimpur district. This woman has managed to pass the Higher Secondary examination this year, overcoming all the pretexts and hurdles of the busy life of a middle-aged person.

The woman is Basanti Saikia, wife of Dharmeshwar Saikia, resident of Sapotiya village of Dhakuakhana subdivision, who passed the Higher Secondary Final Examination by securing second division as per the result declared on Thursday. He passed the High School Leaving Certificate (HSLC) examination in 1988 and then his journey of pursuing education came to a halt. But he did not let his dream of pursuing higher education be shattered. As a result, she appeared for the Higher Secondary Final Examination at Sapotia Higher Secondary School, Dhakuakhana this year after 36 years and passed successfully, securing second division with 58 per cent marks. Basanti Saikia is an Anganwadi worker at Sapotiya Anganwadi Centre. Despite his busy schedule, domestic issues and government responsibilities, he continued his studies regularly to appear for the exams. She, who was born in a cultured family of the village, has been involved in various cultural activities since childhood till date by acting in stage shows and other dramatic performances at Rax Festival. She has been regularly portraying various characters in the Rax Leela show staged purely by female artistes in the Sapotiya area for years. With her husband, a small businessman, Basanti Saikia has an educated son and two daughters who are married. His daughter-in-law is also currently studying MA in JB College, Jorhat. His success has brought happiness to the family and created an inspiring atmosphere in the area. Basanti Saikia told this correspondent that despite her age and other responsibilities, she aspires to pursue higher education while continuing her educational journey.