65-year-old eyes a 6th academic degree

Abbasi already has master’s degrees in Persian, history, political science, education and Pakistan studies.

BAHAWALPUR:

Muhammad Sadiq Abbasi, 65, a retired school teacher, is sitting a master’s examinations for the sixth time. He already has master’s degrees in Persian, history, political science, education and Pakistan studies. He is now taking the examination for a master’s in Urdu. 

A father of five, Abbasi is a resident of Kachha village in Rahim Yar Khan. He  has taught for more than 35 years. Since retirement, he has been tutoring children at his home. He had applied as a private student in the supplementary examinations, which are currently ongoing.

Talking to The Express Tribune shortly after his exam on Thursday, Abbasi said after he had obtained a degree in Persian, people would ask him why he had preferred studying a foreign language over Urdu. He said since then he had decided to study the national language for a master’s as well. He said he was not looking for a job.

“My passion for knowledge keeps me going,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 25^th, 2013.