Maharashtra's 65-year-old woman learns to read from grandson, nearly 7 lakh elderly learners appear for exam

A grandson taught his grandmother to read and write her first letters, while another proudly accompanied his grandfather to an examination centre. On Sunday, their families witnessed a milestone as elderly learners across Maharashtra appeared for a literacy test that celebrated learning, determination and second chances.

65-Year-Old Woman From Kolhapur Fulfils Her Dream Of Learning

Mangal Baban Mane, 65, from Kolhapur, once aspired to become a government officer. However, poverty and difficult circumstances forced her to discontinue her education. Decades later, she returned to the classroom to appear for the Foundational Literacy and Numeracy Assessment Test (FLNAT), having learnt the basics from her grandson.

“My grandson is in Class V. He taught me Marathi letters and helped me learn words. He also taught me counting from one to 100,” Mane said. “Now I can do basic addition and subtraction. Most importantly, I can write my own name.”

Nashik Grandson Accompanies Grandfather To Examination Centre

In Nashik, science graduate Shashank Borse accompanied his 68-year-old grandfather to an examination centre. The elderly man had spent much of his life working in the fields to ensure that future generations received an education. This time, he became the student.

“He spent his youth working on the farm so the generations after him could study,” Borse said of his grandfather. “Because of his sacrifices, my father became a teacher and I found a job in Nashik. Taking him to this exam was one of the proudest moments of our lives. He is the only one among seven siblings who dared to take the test. I hope others now follow him,” Borse said.

Their experiences reflected the larger spirit of the statewide initiative, which saw nearly seven lakh elderly learners appear for FLNAT under the ULLAS (Understanding of Lifelong Learning for All in Society) programme of the New India Literacy Programme (NILP).

60-Year-Old Woman Returns For A Second Attempt

For Vimal Kanu, 60, from Man taluka in Satara district, the examination represented another step towards independence and self-confidence. She had appeared for the test last year but did not pass. This time, she returned with greater confidence.

“The change in my life is visible,” she said. “Earlier, I used a thumb impression. Now I sign my name. I can read small words and understand what is written. I can even check whether a shopkeeper has returned the correct balance,” she added.

Nearly 7 Lakh Learners Appear For FLNAT Across Maharashtra

The assessment was conducted in nine languages, including Marathi, Hindi, English and Urdu, as part of the government's efforts to bring adults who cannot read and write into the education system.

“Around seven lakh learners registered on the ULLAS app appeared for the examination. Those who qualify can continue their education through standards three, five, eight, 10 and 12 equivalents,” said education director (planning) Krishnakumar Patil.

The initiative aims to provide learners with opportunities to progress beyond basic literacy and pursue further education through equivalent levels.

Elderly Learners Welcomed With Flowers In Dhoregaon

The scale of the literacy initiative was also evident in the Dhoregaon cluster, where 198 newly literate learners appeared for the test at Zilla Parishad Central Primary School and its satellite centres.

Under the guidance of centre head Sachin Damale, in-charge headmaster Rajesh Hiwale and a team of teachers, the centres became spaces of encouragement for elderly learners, many of whom were taking an examination for the first time.

“They were welcomed with flowers before the exam,” said Hiwale. “The welcome eased their fears and boosted their confidence. The most memorable sight was seeing elderly learners arrive with their grandchildren, who watched with pride as their grandparents read, wrote and solved questions on their own.”

FLNAT Exam Pattern And Passing Marks

The examination carried a total of 150 marks, with candidates required to score at least 33% to qualify.

However, for many participants, the significance of the day went far beyond the marks they might receive. Learning to write their names, read everyday words, perform basic calculations and understand written information had already brought meaningful changes to their lives.

[With TOI inputs]