Tharparkar’s 79-year-old retired teacher earns law degree from KU
In a heartwarming story that has captured national admiration, Tharparkar’s 79-year-old retired teacher earns law degree from KU, proving that age is never a barrier to learning. The remarkable achievement belongs to Sukhram Das, a former government school teacher from Sindh’s remote desert district of Tharparkar, who successfully completed his law degree from the University of Karachi at an age when most people have long retired from active pursuits.
Sukhram, who hails from Hilario Pir village in Diplo tehsil, defied both age and circumstances when he enrolled in the University of Karachi’s law department at 74. Five years later, at 79, he proudly graduated, earning recognition across the region for his determination and commitment to education. As a father of eight sons and one daughter, he has not only inspired his own family but also a generation of youth who see his journey as a message of hope and resilience.
He says his motivation for pursuing a law degree stemmed from a deep desire to support himself in old age and, more importantly, to help the poor communities of Tharparkar who often struggle with land disputes and other legal challenges. Sukhram believes that education continues to be the strongest tool for empowerment, especially in marginalized and underserved areas where access to legal support remains limited. By choosing to pursue the study of law in his seventies, he hoped to become a source of guidance for people in need of legal clarity.
Residents of Tharparkar view him as a role model who has demonstrated that learning does not stop at any stage of life. Those familiar with his journey recall how he traveled long distances between Thar and Karachi, managing the challenges of age, health, and rigorous academic work without complaint. His story has now become an example for younger students across Sindh, encouraging them to pursue higher education despite obstacles.
Friends and family describe Sukhram as a man of discipline and purpose, who never allowed his age to limit his ambitions. His professors and classmates at the University of Karachi praise his commitment, noting that he attended classes regularly and participated with remarkable enthusiasm, often outperforming students several decades younger.
Sukhram says his goal now is to use his education to address the unresolved problems affecting his community. He hopes to assist villagers in understanding property laws, resolving disputes, and navigating legal matters that often remain ignored in rural areas. By doing so, he aims to give back to the community he served throughout his teaching career.
At a time when many older individuals in rural Pakistan are constrained by limited opportunities, financial challenges, and social expectations, Sukhram’s accomplishment stands as a symbolic victory. It reinforces the message that personal growth and learning remain lifelong journeys and that positive change can begin at any age. His success story has now become a source of pride for Tharparkar and an inspiring example across the country.
