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50 years ago, in a rural household with many members, sending someone to college was a luxury that many could ill-afford. That was the case with K. Balakrishnan of ‘Anugraha’, Puthiyakandathil, Kanhangad. Their father had died when he was in 7^th grade.  There were 7 siblings and their mother at home. With great effort, they could send Balakrishnan’s elder brother Damodaran to study architecture at then NIT, Kozhikode.

As for the other siblings, including Balakrishnan, they had to work at the local bronze appliances factory.  Balakrishnan too joined his elder brothers at the factory and discontinued his studies after 10^th grade.

Many jobs and roles later, while in his fifties, architect Damodaran prodded his brother to continue his education where he had left them. And being a keen learner that he was always, Balakrishnan slowly cleared Plus Two, BA and MA. Thus, when his erstwhile classmates were retiring from their jobs, Balakrishnan cleared the exams one by one.  Learning is a passion for him and he hopes to clear Bachelor of Law next.

Busy with his many seva activities, Balakrishanan could not bring himself to invest in marriage.  He lives with his architect brother at their house.

E.V.Jayakrishnan (text), Mathrubhumi, March 14, 2025

"Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try."