Surat: More than two decades after failing her Class 10 board examination, 38-year-old Kajal Makwana has scripted an inspiring comeback by clearing the exam with 72% marks — alongside her daughter, Dhruvi.Kajal had dropped out of school in 2003 after failing in mathematics and science. The disappointment and fear of failure stayed with her for years, and she never imagined she would one day return to studies. But constant encouragement from her daughter eventually gave her the confidence to pursue the unfinished dream she had carried for over two decades.The turning point came when Kajal visited Naresh Mehta, principal of Municipal School Board-run Sant Dongreji Maharaj School, to inquire about coaching classes for Dhruvi. Mehta, who provides online coaching to needy dropout girls, urged Kajal to resume her studies as well.“Due to financial limitations, we could not afford tuition classes for Dhruvi. When I went to inquire about coaching, Mehta sir and my daughter encouraged me to appear again for the examination that I had failed in 2003,” Kajal said.Mother and daughter then began studying together every day, motivating and supporting each other throughout their preparation. Their hard work finally paid off when both successfully cleared the board examination with good scores.“No one encouraged me to try again when I failed in Class 10 earlier, and at that time I did not understand the importance of education either. Now I realise how important studies are, and I want to continue my education further,” said Kajal, who got married at the age of 19.Mehta said the mother-daughter duo’s journey has become an inspiration for many girls who had dropped out of school. “They constantly motivated each other to study, and that helped them prepare well. Their story proves that it is never too late to restart education,” he said.Dhruvi said her mother often spoke about her unfulfilled dream of clearing Class 10. “While searching for coaching options for myself, I suggested that she should study with me. I am happy that both of us passed with good marks,” she said.Kajal’s achievement has also received wholehearted support from her family. Her husband, Kamlesh, said he himself could not complete his schooling as he had to start working at an early age, but felt proud that Kajal gathered the courage to restart her education and fulfil her long-pending dream.
