Helming an urban body with 33 wards, Iritty Municipal Chairperson K Sreelatha had many reasons not to even think about appearing for the Class 12 examination at the age of 50. She not only thought of it but has also cleared the exam.

Having discontinued her studies in 1992 as a pre-degree student, life had gotten busy for Sreelatha. She got married and had a family to take care of. Eventually, it was an event that became the turning point.

“I stopped my studies in 1992, during the Pre-Degree Course (now Class 12). I couldn’t complete it because I got married and soon after I became pregnant. Later, after becoming chairperson, I attended an inaugural event conducted by the Municipality for the Equivalency Course. While sitting there, I felt I too should write the exam and finish my studies,” says Sreelatha.

Although she never felt that her incomplete education held her back in her career, she always carried an interest in completing it.

She passed the Class 12 Equivalency Course under the Literacy Mission. Even though she has no fixed work schedule, her day often begins early in the morning and stretches late into the night. Most days, she returns home only around 10 pm. Yet, even after such long hours, she set aside at least an hour to study.

 To prepare for the exam, she relied on books provided for the course along with online classes. “English was the subject I found most difficult, but I managed by attending some online sessions and practising through letter writing,” she recalled.

When the results came in, she had secured an A+ in Malayalam, two B+ grades, and two C+ grades. Her husband, two sons and their wives were fully supportive of her efforts.

“They were happy when I passed the exam. Even when I sat down to study after a long day, my sons and their wives helped with the household work,” says Sreelatha. “I would like to pursue a degree next, although I haven’t yet decided on the subject,” she added.