Kerala couple rekindles educational aspirations, turns up together for Plus II equivalency exam

In a heart-warming tale of determination and common aspirations, a Hidayath Nagar, Poolakkad-based couple—Abu Thahir and Thasleema—turned up hand-in-hand for the Plus Two Malayalam Paper ii equivalency exam on Thursday, rekindling long-standing dreams they thought they had left behind.

 

Abu Thahir, 40, had dropped out after finishing SSLC. Thasleema, 30, who had hoped to study more, had to shelved those plans upon marriage. But fate had something else in store. goaded by close friends and a mutual wish to learn, the couple made up their minds three years ago to join the classroom once again, this time as a couple.

 

"I teach Arabic at the Sunni Madrassas in Poolakkad and Cholode. Taking the decision as a couple strengthened us. Learning together at home kept us on track - our talks turned into revision, and the common goal became a daily inspiration," Abu Thahir said.

 

Their return to education was aided by the Kerala State Literacy Mission. The couple has attended Sunday equivalency classes at Moyan's School in Palakkad for the past two years, diligently attending class, clarifying their doubts, and motivating each other in the process.

 

On Thursday, school bags over their shoulders and hope in their hearts, the couple entered the Pandit Mothilal Government Model Higher Secondary School, Palakkad, to begin a new chapter in their life story.

 

They sat their Malayalam Plus Two equivalency exam side by side not only as students, but as each other's biggest support system. Having previously cleared all subjects in the Plus i equivalency exams, the couple comes to this step with added confidence. Parents to three school-going kids in Classes 8, 4, and 2, they are now empowered role models—showing everyone that it's never too late to learn.