At 71, he’s brushing up gyan to help grandchild crack PMT
LUCKNOW: Elderly people occupying green spots in city parks is a common sight. Fighting age, they can be seen making the most of nature. But when you spot a 71-year-old man engrossed in science books and solving biology questions, curiosity is bound to lead you to him.
“I am preparing for medical entrance exams,” smiles Jawahar Lal Gupta, immediately clarifying: “I know I am too old to aim for medical entrance. I am brushing up my knowledge so that I could help my granddaughter crack the medical entrance this year.”
Yes, Gupta, who retired as a math teacher from KC College, Mumbai, studies daily for hours at Suraj Kund, a historical pond on the banks of river Gomti, so that he could guide his granddaughter.
Gupta is in the state capital, especially for the purpose. He is originally a Varanasi resident and is currently based in Mumbai.
“I am here for 2-3 months. I want Priya to clear the test in the very first attempt. I taught her father (Gupta’s son) as well, who is now a surgeon in one of the renowned hospitals in Lucknow and also my daughter, who is a lecturer in NL College, Malad,” he proclaims with pride.
A little prodding and Gupta agrees to go back to his days of struggle. “After my father’s death, my grandparents threw my mother out of the house. She was left with no option but to work as a maid. But she managed to pay my school fees in time, always,” recollects Gupta who was forced to take up odd and petty jobs after his mother too died when he was in Class 8.
“My well-wishers wanted me to leave studies and join their family business but I refused. I approached my teacher — Giriji — who helped me with Rs 10 to start a business,” he recalls setting up a makeshift shop to sell dry fruits at a bus station during nights. “But the day time was reserved for studying in parks,” insists Gupta who later started giving tuitions to fund his education.
While studies and struggle continued, Gupta got married in between. “For my gradua- tion, I moved to BN College, Pat na where film actor Shatrughan Sinha was my schoolmate. I then joined KC College, Mumbai as a teacher,” Gupta reminisces. While a decent job as a teacher ended his struggle, Gupta ensured his two children — Rajesh and Manisha — got good education. “I started studying with them, mentored them and succeeded in helping Rajesh crack MBBS entrance and Manisha take up lectureship in a renowned college,” he said.
The indomitable grit that he personifies, Gupta’s new mission, at 71, is to see his granddaughter pursue medical studies.
“She is student of a renowned school in Lucknow and I am sure she will fulfil my dream,” he says while getting back to studies.