Unstoppable At 70: Indira’s journey To Graduation And Aim For PhD
As she stands on the threshold of a new academic challenge, Indira affirms, “I will not give up on my education.” With dreams of an MA and a PhD, her inspiring quest underscores a profound message: authentic learning and self-improvement are pursuits that know no age.
Visakhapatnam: Susarla Indira’s journey through struggles and fulfillment is a testament to the spirit of perseverance in her enduring pursuit of education.
At 70 years old, Indira defied odds by graduating with a BA in political science from Andhra University. She eagerly awaits an opportunity to pursue MA in either Public Administration or History, irrespective of the fact that she can no longer aspire to get a job. Her aspirations stem rather from a passion for broadening her understanding and enriching her life.
Born into a family of 11 children -- six girls and five boys -- Indira’s early life was of many challenges. Father Lingamurthy worked part-time for the railways and struggled to make ends meet. Financial constraints left little room for nurturing the academic dreams of his children. While the boys did some schooling, Indira’s desire to study beyond the tenth grade was stifled by economic limitations.
She had pleaded, “I want to study further”; but her yearning for education was ignored.
In 1970, she completed her tenth-grade education. Her dreams of academic advancement had to wait. Eight years later, after marrying Edapilli Hanumantha Rao, the burdens of her domestic life turned worse. Saddled with work on raising her children, managing their education and arranging their marriages, Indira prioritised her family’s needs above her ambitions.
Her resolve, however, didn’t dim. In a conversation with Deccan Chronicle, she recalled, “At that time, my father did not have the means to support my higher education. It took me 54 years to make my dream come true.”
Determined to reclaim her long-idled ambition, Indira re-entered the world of studies at 65, enrolling in a BA Political Science correspondence course with Andhra University. Known endearingly as “Mamma Garu” by her younger classmates, she attended classes with the enthusiasm and discipline reminiscent of a 17-year-old.
Her rigorous schedule saw her studying from 4 to 6am and again from 10pm to midnight. This helped her earn the degree in second-class in October 2024, solidifying an achievement that many deemed unattainable.
As she stands on the threshold of a new academic challenge, Indira affirms, “I will not give up on my education.” With dreams of an MA and a PhD, her inspiring quest underscores a profound message: authentic learning and self-improvement are pursuits that know no age. Obstacles, no matter how daunting, can be overcome with determination and heart.
