Shillong: Can one person change a state’s literacy rate? Of course not. But they can showcase a state’s attitude towards imparting literacy among all its residents, including those who may be otherwise considered “too old”. Meghalaya may not be among India’s most literate states, but, as 53-year-old Lakyntiew Syimtieh shows, the state is a wonderful example of encouraging education for all.
A few days ago, Syimtieh graduated from Balawan College, about 30 kilometres from the capital city of Shillong. Now, graduation may be a regular affair for people stepping out of their teenage years, but for Syimtieh, this day came 35 years after dropping out of school.
There were many reasons, Syimtieh says, but fear of mathematics was one of the primary reasons. According to her, she failed in mathematics and the fear of maths made her drop out of her studies. At that time, she didn’t understand the value of education. But if she thought she was done with education, she was wrong. In 2008, Lakyntiew got an opportunity to teach the Khasi language in a village school. Soon, she realised the importance of education and that it had no age limits. “We keep on learning until we go to the grave,” Syimtieh told EastMojo.
But wanting to study is one thing; taking steps towards it was a different ball game altogether. “As a mother and as a single mother, I had to balance my family and work duties as a teacher. I used to study at night because I am a single mother of four kids and I have two grandchildren. It came with a lot of responsibilities like teaching, maintaining the house, and doing other chores.” she told EastMojo.
It helped that people around her proved to be the ultimate support system which encouraged Syimtieh to continue on her path. Her ‘classmates’ were stellar too. “My classmates often called me ‘mom,’ as they were like my children and some of them called me ‘Miss.’ I loved them, as they supported me and we formed a perfect bond.”
Lakyntiew cherishes her college experience and feels lucky to be a student at her age. “I enjoyed participating in college events, reliving my adulthood. Only a handful of people get this kind of opportunity,” she added.
“In the present era, education is the key to success. Work very hard and never lose hope. Keep learning because we can learn until we go to the grave.”
Her experience of ‘returning’ to education was so powerful that she plans to pursue an MA degree in her favourite subject, Khasi. “I feel immense satisfaction and confidence in achieving my goals and proving myself,” she said.
An inspiration for all
Syimtieh is not just an inspiration for her students, even teachers and administrators feel inspired by her. Take Dr. Laurence Kharluni, the principal at Balawan College, who is younger than Syimtieh.
“I feel blessed and humble in her presence. At this age, to have the courage to mingle with much younger friends more than twice their age is remarkable. When she joined class XI, I was not yet the principal. That time, Sir Julius, the present vice principal, was the principal who gave her admission. When she joined graduation, then I was in charge already,” Kharluni said.
He added that he could not help but admire her determination. “We have had many students who were elderly in the past but never a 50-year-old student. When she joined Balawan College, she already celebrated her golden jubilee birthday. In the beginning, I was surprised when she told me that she wanted to continue her higher studies. But by the way, she spoke and when I saw her facial reaction, I knew that she was serious about her studies. So we gave her admission,” she added.
Kharluni explained how the journey was a test for Syimetieh. “I asked her whether she would come to class daily,” Kharlun said. “She responded that she would come whenever she could adjust her timing since she is also a teacher. For the first two years, she attended classes whenever she could. I did not bother about her attendance since she is a working student. She came to class regularly only in the last year of her studies since the school management granted her a one-year study leave. I asked the teachers to assist her in whatever ways possible, and that was not so difficult since she has a charming personality and teachers were ready to help her,” he added.
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Kharluni confirmed what Syiemtieh said about students calling her “Mei” meaning mother. “She used to respond to them as “Khun” meaning my child. She has a friendly attitude to all, and her classmates feel at ease in her presence. We are very lucky to have her as our student. She is an example of hard work, dedication, determination and neatness to other students,” he added. So, in a couple of years, do not be surprised if you hear about a 55-year-old who completed her Master’s degree.
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