Never too late: At 40, security guard aces HSC exams alongside wife and family

Harishchandra Pawase, his wife Milika, and their sons. Pic/By Special Arrangement

While many students were elated after the Maharashtra State Board's Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) exam results were declared on Saturday, Harishchandra Pawase, a 40-year-old security guard and father of two, was overwhelmed by feelings of pride and accomplishment.

Pawase, a resident of Aarey Milk Colony in Goregaon East, scored 71.33 per cent in the humanities stream on resuming his educational journey after quitting school in 2002.

What made his journey more interesting was that it was not a solitary one; he took his exams alongside his wife, Milika Dalvi, and his brother-in-law, Rohit Dalvi, both of whom also cleared the exam. Pawase's older son is set to enter Std XII, while the younger one is still in school. Oftentimes, all members of the family of four would study together.

Evening school sessions organised by Masoom Education NGO, which runs seven centres. Pics/By Special Arrangement

"Everyone in our classes at the evening learning centre [run by the Masoom Education NGO] found it very interesting that three members from our family had enrolled together. This way, we will be able to help our children study for their board exams too," said Harishchandra Pawase.

Education dreams

Pawase hopes to reach out to educationists to learn how he can further his pursuits. "I work as a security guard, but we need to have basic educational qualifications to advance in life. My wife works as a staffer at a school, and my brother-in-law is an office peon. We all believed in making our education dream come true," he said. This year, Masoom Education NGO had 69 students from the city taking the Std XII exams, of which 64 cleared them.

Building confidence

Dhiraj Masurkar, programme manager of Masoom Education NGO, said his organisation sets up evening learning centres that function like night schools. "Owing to long gaps in education, many adult students are apprehensive about taking board exams. But after consistently coming to our centres, they build confidence and are ready to take on challenges. At Masoom, we also help students with career guidance. There is no age for education, and it's never too late to learn," he said.

May 2
Day HSC results were declared