87-year-old becomes oldest woman to earn master's degree at York University

Learning is a lifetime process, and age is simply a number. An elderly woman was given her second master's degree at the age of 87, demonstrating the truth of the adage that "knowledge is wisdom." Mrs. Varatha Shanmuganathan, a resident of Canada, disproved the doubters by being the oldest individual to earn a master's degree from York University.

Varatha received particular recognition during a ceremony at the Provincial Parliament of the Ontario Legislature, where lawmakers stood to applaud enthusiastically for the elderly woman. A Provincial Parliament member named Vijay Thanigasalam posted an enlightening video in honor of the scholar.

Varatha began her academic career in India, where she earned a bachelor's degree. Later, she graduated from the University of Ceylon with a diploma in education. In her mid-50s, she worked hard to earn her first master's degree from the University of London. After learning about the policies at York University that exempt Canadian citizens over 60 from paying tuition.

Varatha Shanmuganathan, the oldest person to graduate with a master's degree from @yorkuniversity, advises future generations of students to be global thinkers https://t.co/B4IeCrg3fU #YorkUConvo @YorkUAlumni pic.twitter.com/I2beP5R6Hh

— York University News (@YorkUnews) November 2, 2021

Varatha amma's love for teaching and learning has given her the opportunity to live and teach in four different continents throughout her life, Vijay said in his applaud-worthy tribute to Varatha in his Instagram caption, adding, "It was my privilege to honor Mrs. Varatha Shanmuganathan at the Ontario Legislature."

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A post shared by Vijay Thanigasalam (@vijaythanigasalam)

According to York Media Relations, Shanmuganathan was born in Velanai, a town in Sri Lanka. She received a bachelor's degree from India's University of Madras. After leaving India, she went back to Sri Lanka and started teaching English and history. From the University of Ceylon, she subsequently obtained a teaching certificate. She graduated from the University of London with her first master's degree when she was in her 50s.