This BJP MLA shows there's no age to getting educated
When, during school visits, he emphasized that studies should be taken seriously, something pinched him. The 55-year-old felt he wasn't suitable enough to lecture them on that subject, since he himself had dropped out of school after class 7. So he decided to resume studies after 40 years. Meet Phool Singh Meena, a BJP MLA from Rajasthan, who's currently appearing for his BA exams.
"I was skeptical considering my age, but my daughters insisted"
"My conscience pricked me when I used to tell people about the importance of education," shared the Udaipur (Rural) constituency MLA. He discussed his discomfort with his five daughters, who suggested him to start studying. He was "skeptical considering my age," but his daughters explained to him that "you interact with so many senior officials, and leaders, so education is important for you."
At home, his kids teach him. Outside a school principal
He started from where he left and appeared for Class X and XII exams. He cleared Class X three years ago and XII in subsequent years. He is now pursuing BA, having chosen public administration, political science, sociology and Hindi as his electives. When he's at home, his daughters teach him. Outside that, a government school principal of Manvakheda is his tutor.
"I also send him audios of the lessons through WhatsApp"
Sanjay Lunawat said he teaches Meena when they are both traveling together. "Or I make and send him audios of the lessons through WhatsApp," he said. "He didn't make excuses for not appearing in exams even in an election year. He plans to do his PG and then Ph.D," Lunawat shared, who is known for teaching poor students for free.
He made sure his daughters receive quality education
"I gave up studies after my father, who was in the army, died. I took to farming then," said Meena, although he made sure all his daughters received quality education. While four are through post-graduation, one is pursuing law. All are extremely proud of him.