Salima Khan, who grew up in a time when schools were a distant dream for girls in her village, harbored a lifelong aspiration to read and write.
Six months ago, against all odds, she took her first steps into a classroom, where her fellow pupils were eight decades younger. Her dedication to learning is nothing short of inspirational.
India, with a literacy rate of approximately 73 percent according to the 2011 census, still grapples with educational disparities in various regions. Salima Khan's story serves as a testament to the belief that the pursuit of knowledge knows no age limits. Initially, teachers were hesitant about teaching Khan, given the age difference, but they were won over by her unwavering passion for learning. Pratibha Sharma, the school headmistress, explained,"We didn't have the heart to refuse her." Salima Khan's journey has not only changed her life but has also brought about positive change in her village. Since her enrollment in school, 25 women from her village have also started literacy classes, including two of her daughters-in-law.