It all started on the 6th of November 1968, the day I made my presence on the earth. Life in Mumbai was tough right from the word ‘go’. I was the sixth and youngest child of my parents. My father was a taxi-driver and mother, a housewife. They raised us up with great difficulty and the agony was at its climax.
Luck dealt a cruel blow when I was 12 years and I lost my Dad. There was no proper source of income. I was interested to pursue my studies, but it looked as if I was fighting a losing battle. But however destiny plays its part.
After my Dad’s demise, my uncle who was a bachelor expired and left his hard earned income for his sister i.e. my mother.
For a good long time things sailed smoothly and there were happy moments. My sister completed her education and she got married. At that time I passed SSLC but there was a financial constraint as the money was getting exhausted and things were seeing its end.
My end of Education was destined in order to support family. I then took up a job in a laundry. Due to my honesty and hardwork, I was employed permanently and felt no need of further education.
It was 20 years in the making and I was drawing a package of Rs.6000/-. Inflation and the high market value forced me into thinking again. Mumbai was getting costlier with each passing day. And Rs.6000/- was highly insufficient to support my mother, wife and unemployed brother. Having discussed the situation with my niece, she told me to upgrade myself through education. There was my first bliss!
My wife was encouraging too and it is there that I saw a yesterday once more.
At the age of 40, I decided to appear for 12th exam privately, under commerce stream. My neighborhood boy Harshad taught me accounts and I got my joy of efforts. I passed with 71%. During the examinations, young students used to wonder what this old chap was doing there. Critics played their role of Mockery. I received my success with the help of Almighty God’s blessing. My mother, my wife and her family member were very encouraging & motivating too. I decided B.Com next and as I could not attend regular college due to laundry work, The Principal of St.Xavier’s College, Mumbai Fr.Condrad Pesso advised me to join IDE of Mumbai University and attend lectures free of cost. It helped me a lot, indeed God provides! And I sailed First Year B.Com with ease. Today I stand at the threshold of age, racing with time intending to complete my Graduation then go in for LLB studies. I do believe, God will make a Highway for me, meanwhile I study on.
I hope my story inspires someone somewhere to gain a never-say-die attitude. Come what may, never give up education. I am 41years now and my quest for knowledge is still burning like an Olympic torch, and there is more to come. All those who feel dejected and blue, rise-up again to take your stand, Trust in God and work on. You will succeed.
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