Courage and determination are two strong elements to be a successful person in life.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_8caba327-6eeb-48e4-add9-c2de005528a4.jpg)
When we say age is just a number we usually refer to people like Sivasubramanian, who despite achieving a successful career returned to fulfill a dream that had eluded him for decades.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_1a3898c2-cebc-436e-be7a-e9b2f361ae4b.jpg)
Sivasubramanian, who now holds a master’s degree in public administration, was praised by HRD Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank who called him a “90-year-old youngster”.
Family responsibilities kept me from pursuing my passion for studies, but at 87, finally, that opportunity knocked on my door. After finishing my school in 1940s, I wanted to go to college but that meant either shifting to Trichy or Chennai. Meanwhile, both my parents fell ill and my relatives advised me against going because I had to take care of them. So, I got a job and started working.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_c951a24b-5562-4e47-84c5-e405e2cf031a.jpg)
Despite having to leave his education after finishing his 12th, Sivasubramanian rose through the ranks in his job and retired as a director from the ministry in 1986 at the age of 58.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_66e591d9-52b7-4930-b7b7-505577a3674d.jpg)
He believed not being a graduate became a hindrance to utilize his complete potential and explained he kept on trying until he succeed.
I was offered an opportunity to be part of a programme in the United Nations. But since I was not a graduate, I could not go. During my tenure at the ministry, I even enquired about the correspondence courses available at Delhi University but then I was transferred and could not pursue them.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_71ad6fd1-a4e7-4e40-94f0-db5ef73b777e.jpg)
But even retirement did not provide him the opportunity to strike gold in education.
My wife was rendered bedridden when I was 87. I used to be by her bedside all through the day and my daughters would also come. One day, her physiotherapist said that he would leave a little early that day as he had to go to IGNOU to collect his form to apply for a course. I asked him to find out whether I could also apply. He found that age is no bar at IGNOU and then I enrolled for the bachelors’ course in public administration even though I told my children, ‘I do not know whether I will be alive long enough to complete it’. After finishing my graduation, I enrolled for the masters degree.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_7134246f-f488-43b0-a3ef-8d4294aa5a23.jpg)
Fearing he might not live long enough to see himself become a graduate, Sivasubramanian ensured he completed his graduation in no time before enrolling for the master’s programme.
![](https://wp.scoopwhoop.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/5e4cf7d050758d0ad1f9e4af_a2af07de-60c7-479f-a68f-e620b7279b48.jpg)
Sivasubramanian’s handwriting became a problem but his granddaughter offered to write his assignments and answer sheets.
I had completed my degree but it was only after a year that I received it. In that period, my wife was in her last stages and I handed her the degree and told her, ‘Finally, your husband is a graduate’. She passed away two days later.
Asked about what he plans next, the oldest post-graduate said he initially planned to pursue an M.Phil but later changed his mind.