At 85, He’s Still Turning Pages

September 22, 2026 Unknown Wizards Valli Sarvani No comments

Age may mark the years, but curiosity can keep the mind moving forward. For Lal Chand Godara, learning became a new chapter long after retirement.

The 85-year-old former soldier from Sirsa, Haryana, has completed his Master’s degree through Indira Gandhi National Open University. He is now considering pursuing either a PhD or a law degree.

Godara returned to formal education at 76. His grandchildren’s questions sparked his old interest in books and learning.

Five years later, he completed his graduation in 2023. He has now added an MA to that achievement.

Education was not always easy for Godara to pursue. He joined the Army before turning 20 and later worked as a Yard Master in the Haryana Transport Department. He retired from the department in 2002.

Retirement, however, did not slow him down. Godara developed an interest in masters athletics and competed in several events. He won medals at Haryana Masters Athletics competitions and other meets.

His love for reading dates back to his younger days. He also maintained a diary, finding satisfaction in writing regularly.

However, life and work prevented him from completing his academic journey earlier.

That changed when his grandchildren began asking him questions. Their curiosity encouraged him to return to books.

Soon, he decided to resume his own studies, despite starting at an age when many people step away from classrooms.

His son, Dr Sahib Ram Godara, said his father always had a strong desire to learn. He described the latest degree as another milestone in a journey that began decades ago.

Now, Godara hopes to continue studying. Whether he chooses law or a PhD, his journey reflects his belief that education can remain a lifelong pursuit.

For him, learning has no retirement age. His story also shows how curiosity can reopen doors that once seemed permanently closed.

Image Credit: Harvinder Chandigarh, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons