Panchsheela Nikhalje (30), a maid from Malvani in Malad — a Mumbai suburb — was keen to take up a government job, but she knew that it wasn’t going to be a cakewalk. Being rejected on the grounds of not having the minimum educational qualification, Nikhalje was pushed to study and appear for the Secondary School Certificate (SSC) Board examination, which begins on Tuesday. But that’s not all. She is appearing for the exam along with her 15-year-old daughter Nikita.

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Nikhalje, who quit school after Class 3, was left with no choice but to get back to studies as most government jobs required her to have passed Class 5 at least. She enrolled herself in Panchsheela Night Vidyalaya, and is now appearing for the exam as a private candidate — a facility provided by the board for students who appear after a gap.  

“Since my name in school is registered with my maiden name, I have to appear for the board exams using that name. I will change it later. I am very excited to appear for the exam though I don’t know whether I will pass or fail. However, I just want to attempt once. A few years ago, I started going to the night school in my area, and began with the Class 8 course to prepare for the exams. My children — two daughters and a son — are very happy. My eldest daughter, who is also appearing for the SSC exam, has been very supportive. She sits with me for half an hour everyday to study and helps me clear my doubts,” said Nikhalje.  

Nikhalje lost her husband in an accident, when she was pregnant with her third child. As the only earning member of the family, she aspires to be a police constable if she clears this examination. Nikhalje toiled in 8-9 houses daily as a maid from 8 am to 2 pm. But that didn’t leave her with sufficient time to study, and so she decided to reduce her workload and worked in only about 3-4 houses, and attended the night school from 7.30 pm to 9.30 pm.

Nikita (15), the eldest daughter of Nikhalje, said, “I am very happy with my mother’s decision. We sit together and study. I help her in clearing her doubts, if any. Her favourite subject is Marathi.”

Nikhalje shared, “The owners of some of the homes where I work are very helpful. Sometimes they help me with my homework after I finish work. I got a lot of encouragement from our former night school principal, Bhuge Sir. I am not tensed like other students. Unlike other students, I am very excited to appear for the exams.”

Nikhalje probably understands what author Paulo Coelho meant when he said, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it”.