An octogenarian goes to school with his grandson

An 86-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh may be the oldest student in the country, studying in the sixth grade with his grandson.

Badayun (Uttar Pradesh), Aug 6 : An 86-year-old man in Uttar Pradesh may be the oldest student in the country, studying in the sixth grade with his grandson.

Phoolbar Singh, a resident of Badayun village has gone back to his books much to the amazement of his family and fellow villagers.

"I am 86-year-old. I am very happy that I am studying and will go to heaven with a little more respect," said Singh.

He goes to school every morning with his grandson, and they sit side-by-side in the classroom as the day's lessons begin.

His determination to study as much as he can while he is still alive has become a matter of pride for not only his grandson, but for the village as well.

"He said he wanted to study. Then he can also teach my younger brothers and sisters who have not been able to study. It will be a good thing," said Sunil Kumar, Singh's grandson.

Singh said the learning process is very dear to him since he was not able to study in his younger days. He was fighting for the freedom of the country.It is a grim reality that Uttar Pradesh is also one of the most educationally backward.

Uttar Pradesh has an abysmally low 45 percent literacy rate compared to the national average of 62 percent.

ANI