THERE is no end to learning – it is a principle that both Low Hing Woh and Subramaniam Thulukanam have embraced since their youth and continue to extol.
At 74, what keeps Low going is his habit of staying updated with streams of news about the latest happenings.
“When I was young, my parents and schoolteachers instilled the mindset that we need to study hard. As we grow up, we still need to keep learning so that we can become more knowledgeable.
“I learn from reading the news,” the retired goldsmith told StarEdu.
Low’s news-reading journey began as a teenage boy growing up in Perak.
“I always read from the first page of the paper all the way to the end,” recalled the avid reader of The Star.
When he got himself a smartphone some years ago, he started to consume news online, turning to The Star Online and its social media for the latest updates.
That has since become part of his morning routine, which typically starts with a hot cup of coffee, followed by his daily dose of news.
“I’ll keep reading without thinking of the time or until my eyes are tired,” he said.
To him, staying informed is of paramount importance.
“I read because I need to know what is happening in the country and the world,” Low shared.
His interests span a multitude of topics, ranging from politics, crime and natural disasters to sports, lifestyle and science.
Whenever he discovers an interesting topic, he eagerly shares it with his family, including his seven grandchildren.
“I share the news to give them something to learn, help with their studies, or even offer something to laugh at,” he said.
However, keeping up with the news in the digital age has not always been easy for the septuagenarian.
“It’s difficult to read online because sometimes I’ll accidentally press something, and I don’t know how to go back.
“And I can’t look at the screen for long because it hurts my eyes,” he said.
Low urged the younger generation to cultivate a passion for reading the news and to use technology to broaden their horizons.
However, with the proliferation of online news sources, he cautioned users to question the validity of the information they encounter.
“Some information is verified, whereas some is just hearsay, which isn’t real. We have to think critically and find out for ourselves,” he said.
Keeping passion alive
Reading has also kept retired teacher Subramaniam fulfilled.
He is devoted to memorising the Thirukkural, a classic work of Tamil literature by Indian philosopher and poet Thiruvalluvar.
As a keen reader, numerous topics interest him, including plant biology and mental disorders.
In fact, reading has played a prominent role in his skill development, from gardening and woodworking to hydroponics and cooking.
When he was involved in a post-retirement accident that restricted the use of his left hand, it did nothing to dampen his eagerness to learn new skills.
“It’s all thanks to my father, who was my greatest inspiration,” the 87-year-old said.
Currently living in Selangor, Subramaniam shared that as a young boy, he often assisted his father, an estate worker in Perak, in the paddy fields, cultivating sesame, tapioca and various vegetables.
This inspired him to plant his own vegetable garden as an adult, painstakingly built from scratch, along with a fountain and stools.
His garden now houses bougainvilleas, bamboo, gooseberry trees and coconut trees.
Subramaniam, who developed an interest in woodworking through one of his fellow teachers during his teaching days, has also constructed a number of things.
With the guidance of library books, he constructed a solid concrete outdoor table that served as a functional piece of furniture, along with bowls and cups made through lathework.
“My primary objective was to create versatile and innovative products, such as a chair that doubles as a ladder and a bed with functioning shelves for books and clothes,” the octogenarian said, adding that he takes great pride in creating things for his 11 grandchildren to enjoy.
It is also through reading that Subramaniam developed skills in cooking and hydroponic planting.
He shared that after his wife’s passing in 2017, he decided to learn how to cook using cookbooks.
To pick up hydroponics, he bought magazines covering the basics of hydroponic planting and from there, he researched the types of plants that can be grown and the materials needed to start.
“Hydroponic planting is better for the environment and our health overall because it eliminates the need for insecticides and chemicals,” he said.
While Subramaniam has slowed down on these physical activities in the past couple of years, reading remains a constant companion.
His eyesight, which has been deteriorating since his 70s, prevents him from reading books like before, but this does not deter him from reading or listening to sources online.
Living by his motto of “There is no joy in possession if you don’t share it”, Subramaniam said he enjoys enlightening his grandchildren and encourages them to learn as well.
He has also taken to video calls to share any newly acquired knowledge with his friends and family.
“Old age must not become a hindrance to following one’s passion. Learning has no limits, and age should not restrict one from doing what one loves.
“Take the risk and know that there is always knowledge to gain from reading,” he concluded.
Shin Ying and Nittila are participants of the BRATs Young Journalist Programme run by The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) team. For updates on the BRATs programme, go to facebook.com/niebrats.
With the theme of the article in mind, carry out the following English language activities.
1 How do you bond with the older members of your family? Suggest three activities that the young can do with the older generation. Compare your list with your classmates’.
2 Imagine you are Low or Subramaniam. You have been invited to give a talk at a school to motivate students about learning. Prepare your speech and deliver it to the class.
The Star’s Newspaper-in-Education (Star-NiE) programme promotes the use of English language in primary and secondary schools nationwide. For Star-NiE enquiries, email starnie@thestar.com.my.