WHEN he was 52, Kuhan Gunaratnam decided to become a student again.
It was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. After more than two decades in the information technology industry and working with a non-governmental organisation that guided underprivileged youth, he sensed something was still missing in his life.
In mentoring young students, he discovered that many of them were quietly struggling with mental health issues.
“Their stories of trauma, anxiety and internalised helplessness struck a deep chord in me; there was a deeper calling within me, a desire to make a meaningful difference in people’s lives,” he said in a press release.
He thus set out to pursue his Master of Professional Counselling at Monash University Malaysia.
His decision paid off when he received his scroll at his graduation ceremony recently.
Making the milestone even more memorable was that his daughter Ashna Kuhan, who pursued a double degree in business and digital media, also graduated at the same ceremony.
Two’s company: Kuhan (left) and Ashna sharing a warm embrace to celebrate their graduation.
Shared journey
For the father-daughter duo, being university mates opened up an enriching chapter in their lives.
Kuhan shared that before enrolling in the university, he had asked Ashna – who was already carving her own path there – for permission, as he wanted to honour her space and journey.
That single conversation blossomed into an experience that saw them carpooling to campus, parting ways for their respective classes, and sometimes taking photos of each other around the grounds.
Describing the experience as “surreal at first”, Ashna said she eventually found comfort in her father’s presence on campus.
“Most people’s university stories don’t include walking onto campus, knowing their dad might be attending lectures. But honestly, it was comforting. There was a shared understanding of the pressure, late nights and drive to succeed,” she said.
They also became each other’s pillar of support.
“When I was buried in assignments or struggling with APA formatting, Ashna would step in to help.
“We understood the pressures of student life, and that mutual understanding allowed us to be patient, kind and present for one another,” Kuhan said.
Ashna’s academic journey had its twists. She initially began her studies in accountancy but later changed course when she discovered her love for branding, storytelling and the digital space.
During morments of doubt, her father’s wisdom became her compass.
“He always knows what to say. He’s always there – supporting, teaching and guiding me,” she said.
After particularly gruelling weeks, they would celebrate surviving another round of lectures and deadlines over steaming plates of chicken rice and Ceylon tea – their favourite comfort meals.
“One thing he always reminds me of is to be myself, be kind, stay humble, be grateful, treat everyone equally, and never expect anything in return,” she said.
For Kuhan, witnessing Ashna’s transformation became the unexpected gift of his mid-life return to education.
“What made me proud wasn’t just her academic achievements. It was her character.
“Seeing her carry herself with maturity, responsibility and grace across campus reminded me of the independent, thoughtful woman she has become,” he said.
Full circle
On graduation day, Kuhan was filled with emotion.
“I thought of the little girl I once held in my arms, now standing tall beside me as a fellow graduate,” he said.
For Ashna, watching her father receive his degree was “one of the most emotional moments” of her life.
“I looked at him and thought, ‘That’s my dad.’ I’m incredibly proud of him,” she said.
The celebration extended to their family members.
“My mother and brother were filled with so much happiness, love and pride. My mum had supported both of us through this journey. To witness that moment, with both of us graduating side by side, was a beautiful moment,” said Ashna.
Kuhan expressed hope that his journey offers a lesson that transcends academics.
“Returning to university at 52 was not simply a decision. It was a calling rooted in lived experiences and an evolving sense of purpose.
“Learning never ends – it’s never too late to follow your calling,” he said.
