At 85, Haryana Man Completes MA From IGNOU, Now Weighs PhD or Law
Lal Chand Godara, 85, of Sirsa, Haryana, has completed an MA from IGNOU after returning to education at 76, and now hopes to pursue a PhD or a law degree.
A former soldier from Haryana has completed his Master's degree at the age of 85, decades after circumstances pulled him away from the classroom.
Lal Chand Godara, a resident of Sirsa, earned his MA from the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), his son Dr Sahib Ram Godara said. He had earlier completed his graduation in 2023, at the age of 81.
Godara's return to studies began at 76, when questions from his grandchildren revived a long-held wish to read and learn. According to his elder son, Godara had been fond of books since his youth and kept a diary, finding satisfaction in writing, but life took him in other directions before he could pursue academics the way he wanted.
He joined the Army before he turned 20. After his time in the force, he worked as a Yard Master in the Haryana Transport Department, retiring from the post in 2002. In retirement he also turned to sport, competing in masters athletics and winning medals at Haryana Masters Athletics competitions and other events.
Reflecting on his journey, Godara said it showed that the urge to learn need not fade with age, and that education widens a person's outlook. He now hopes to go further, with a PhD or a law degree among his options.