GORKHA: Wearing a Dhaka topi, a blue suit, and a school tie from Bhawani Secondary School, 68-year-old Lal Bahadur BK turned heads when he arrived at the Amarjyoti Janata Secondary School examination center in Luintel, Palungtar Municipality-6. Many mistook him for a teacher—but he is, in fact, a Class 12 examinee.
Lal Bahadur is currently studying in the Education faculty at Bhawani School and is taking his Class 12 exams from the Amarjyoti Janata HIgh School center. A top-10 performer in his Grade 11 exams, he is confident about passing Class 12.
“I couldn’t answer one or two English questions, but I won’t fail,” he said. “The remaining subjects are easy, and I can write them in my own way.”
BK retired as an Assistant Inspector of Nepal Police in 2055 BS. He had joined the force in 2035 BS while studying in Grade 7 and later completed his SLC in 2042 BS from Ramshah Secondary School in Aanbukhaireni Rural Municipality, Tanahun.
“Back then, you could take private exams and earn your SLC from any grade if you passed. I managed to do that,” he said. But studying while serving in the police was difficult. Even during exam time, senior officers would assign him extra duties to keep him from preparing.
“They were upset that a Dalit like me would surpass them through education,” he recalled. “Still, I managed to pass, even if it was in the third division.”
Due to financial hardship, BK had dropped out of school. He was one of five siblings, and the family couldn’t afford school fees. But his desire to study never faded.
“After my children were born, I had responsibilities,” he said. “Even after retirement, I didn’t get the chance to study. But now my children are grown and married. That’s why I joined Grade 11 and resumed my education.”
BK now plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in law after completing Class 12.
“I always wanted to study law—not to get a job, but to be proud of what I’ve achieved, even at this age.”
His family, including four sons, a daughter, and his wife, have supported his journey. His sons, who are working abroad, encouraged him to continue his studies.
Teachers at the school say BK’s determination is proof that age is no barrier to learning.
This year, 3,750 students are sitting for the Class 12 exams in Gorkha, with 2,476 appearing under the regular category and 1,250 as partial examinees, according to the Education Development and Coordination Unit, Gorkha.
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