Desire to study drives an elderly man to enroll in a primary school in Lower Dir
In a remarkable tale from Peshawar on December 21st, Dilawar Khan of Lower Dir found a newfound hunger for knowledge at the age of 63. Despite his years, he sat amidst young students at Khongi primary school, donning a white cap and a matching beard, unabashed in his pursuit of education.
Dilawar reminisced about his thwarted aspirations for learning during his youth, restrained by his father’s circumstances that demanded he contribute to the family’s finances through labor instead. However, an awakening occurred during a four-month spiritual journey focused on preaching.
“During my time in mosques, I felt the weight of my lack of education. I couldn’t recite the Holy Quran or read the Hadiths,” Dilawar shared with the media in his hometown. “Midway through my preaching journey last year, I made a resolute decision to enroll in school upon my return and grasp the fundamentals of reading and writing.”
Approaching the teachers in his village, Dilawar found support and encouragement from the school administration, granting him admission at the primary level. His presence in classes alongside much younger peers surprised both villagers and classmates alike.
“At first, sitting among the young ones, engaging in their lessons felt peculiar. Yet, the urgency to fill the gaps in my education overpowered my initial hesitation, and I persevered,” Dilawar recounted his experience.
Through dedication, the elderly learner made substantial progress in his first year, now focused on honing his reading skills in the second grade. Dilawar expressed immense joy in his ability to read the Holy Quran and the Hadith book.
His message resonated with sincerity: “To all those deprived of education in their youth, age should never be a barrier. Enroll in schools and embrace the basics of reading and writing.”
Dilawar Khan’s inspiring journey stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of learning, defying age barriers to quench the thirst for knowledge.