Aizwal: “Where there is a will, there is a way”, an English proverb fits best for a 78-year-old man in Mizoram who walks 3 kilometre daily to attend school. Yes, you read it right. The man, identified as Lalringthara, did not let his age become a barrier as he was willing to enroll in a school and continue his studies.
Born in 1945 at Khuangleng village in Mizoram, Lalringthara went on to support his mother at a young age as he lost his father. Due to financial constraints, Lalringthara had to take multiple breaks from his studies. However, he continued his studies when circumstances allowed him.
“Will not let my age become a barrier in my studies,” Lalringthara was quoted as saying by The Times of India.
According to a report of TOI, Lalringthara had to take a break from his studies in 1995 when he was in second standard as his mother shifted to New Hruaikawn village.
Three years later, he took admission at a school in Class V. However, Lalringthara’s dream to pursue education was short-lived as he had to work in paddy fields to make ends meet. He was then staying at a distant relative’s house.
Despite the disruptions, Lalringthara managed to gain knowledge and became literate in the Mizo language which helped him get a job as a church chowkidar.
After clearing Class VIII, Lalringthara took admission in Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan High School in Hruaikawnin this year. He was accepted by the school and got admission in Class IX.
Surprisingly, the school authorities gave him books and uniform. After becoming expert in the Mizo language, Lalringthara wants to learn English.