Man is never too old to learn. However, academic education after a certain age could be an elusive goal. But perhaps not for men like Habibur Rahman, a teacher of a high school in Jhenidah. He appeared at Degree (B A) examinations along with his son and both the father and son have come out with flying colours. This is remarkable for a teacher who ran the risk of embarrassment in case he failed and his son passed the exam. We do not know how old is he, but can realise that he was pretty confident of his success.

Years ago there was a text book for class IX in which we came across a story about a man named Adu Bhai. An epitome of perseverance, the man was never tired of subjecting himself to repeated annual final examinations to get promoted from class Vil to VI11. He got married and had children, but could not manage to pass the hurdle.

Then came the crucial test of his life. His son also appeared at the 7th class examination along with him. Could he or could he not pass? The suspense came to an end with his success at last. And the epitaph on his grave summed up the man's entire life's effort: Here lies one who was promoted from class VI1 to VI11. In this case, we do not know if Habibur Rahman had any such failings before. Whatever it is, he is certainly one of the rare breed the like of whom kindles hopes in the bosom of every unsuccessful soul.