Udupi: Cook Attempts SSLC after Nine Years, Secures First Class

Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (SP)

Udupi, May 14: He is a cook who specializes in Chinese cuisine in a restaurant here. The boy had dropped out of school after clearing seventh standard examination, to help family’s finances. He later completed ninth standard while working. After nine years, he tried to fulfil his dream of clearing SSLC examination. He did it in style, by appearing as a private candidate, and securing 79 percent marks in SSLC this year!

This feat has been achieved by Nassir, son of the late Sheikabba and Zubaida from Karnire in Balkunje, Palimar, near Padubidri in the district. His father worked in Mangalore harbour. Although Zubaida too rolled bidis for a living, the income was insufficient to manage the family of five daughters and three sons. Nassir, after passing seventh standard examination, was sent to work in a plantation in Bhatkal when he was 12. The family which hired him noted that he was extremely interested in education. They admitted him into a school there, with the condition that he had to attend work at the plantation after school hours. Once he completed ninth standard, his family asked him to come back. Since he came back, he has worked for different restaurants in Udupi, Mangalore, and Manipal. Presently, he works as a cook in Temptation Chinese Restaurant, Park Residency here, as he had to shoulder the responsibility of conducting marriage of his sisters.

Nassir, who has secured 100 marks in Kannada and total marks of 474, had come across a poster some time back, which said that the children who had left schooling midway can appear for SSLC examination directly. He thereafter, contacted Sneha Tutorials being run by Umesh Naik, based on details given in the poster. Umesh Naik, who saw that the boy had immense interest and potential, provided him special coaching in the evenings. His efforts have borne fruits in the form of good marks.

Nassir reveals that he used to get up early, study for two hours and then attend the examination. After examination, he attended his work as cook in a restaurant. Once his duty hours were over at night, he read again for some time before falling asleep. He says he is grateful to owners of the restaurant, Siraj Pati and Purandar, for encouraging him to continue his studies and allowing him to appear for the examination during work hours, and also his mother, who inspired him to continue his studies even if it meant a dent in the financial resources by way of fees, study materials, etc .

Nassir, who wants to continue to hone his skills by working as a cook, wants to complete PU education and then BCom degree course. Nassir shines as an inspiration to those who fail to pursue education once they are out of school. He has shown to them that it is possible to study even while working. Let us hope that his example will spur others like him to pursue education and reach greater heights in their lives.