At 78, grandmother tops MA Marathi at DAVV

Indore: Septuagenarian, Sushma Pradeep Moghe, 78, the grandmother stole the limelight at the Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) convocation on Tuesday as she won a gold medal in MA Marathi at Indore convocation Indore. She received a gold medal and degree for securing the highest marks in MA Marathi at Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya.As Sushma walked in towards the dais to receive her medal and degree the Chancellor and Governor Mangubhai Patel, who was the chief guest too was taken by surprise. Sushma's son Gaurav, daughter-in-law Pooja and grandson Reyansh watched from the audience and applauded.Seeing Sushma, Governor Patel greeted her and the audience broke in an applause that followed her all the way till she went back to her seat.A resident of Mahalaxmi Nagar, Moghe spent four decades as a teacher at a Central School in Chirimiri, a remote town in Chhattisgarh. Appointed as a music teacher, she also taught science and other subjects when the school was short-staffed. She holds an MSc in Chemistry from Jiwaji University.After retiring and relocating to Indore in 2000, Moghe joined library circles and reading groups. About three years ago, she saw a message on an online literature group about MA Marathi admissions at PM College of Excellence Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Arts and Commerce College, open to all ages.She first tried to convince her 44-year-old daughter Nandini to enrol, but when Nandini declined, Moghe decided to apply herself. "I decided I would take it up by myself and complete what I always wished to study," Moghe told TOI.Moghe said Marathi was her first language and several of her sisters pursued higher studies in it. She prepared for the course by practising writing for two hours every day in the months leading up to the exams to build stamina for three-hour examinations. When she could not attend classes, teachers conducted online sessions for her after college hours, and her grandsons helped her with computers and virtual lectures. She described the academic environment as supportive."From the day I went to submit my admission form, the professors were warm and encouraging. The students were equally considerate. They helped me with notes, guided me with classroom instructions, and even assisted me while climbing the stairs," she said.Her daughter-in-law Pooja said the preparation included difficult phases. "There were times when memorising the syllabus felt challenging, but she never complained. Watching her discipline and focus has always been inspiring," she said.Grandson Reyansh said, "She is an inspiration for me. I am very proud of her." After retirement, Sushma also translated Hindi books into Marathi and continued to write.Holding her medal after the ceremony, she said the applause moved her deeply and said the degree carried a message beyond academics.