Holding a writing pad with a laminated admit card clipped to it in one hand and a water bottle in the other, a middle-aged man became the object of attraction of many students, who were intrigued by the odd sight at a Uttar Pradesh Class 12 board exam centre here.
Appearing for the exam on February 16, the man waiting outside the centre was former BJP MLA Rajesh Mishra alias Pappu Bhartaul.
Even with his busy schedule as a politician, Mishra decided to advance his education. "I thought that I should start preparing for Class 12 board exams." Mishra believes that advancing his studies will help him connect better with his younger constituents, but the move has an even bigger purpose.
"As an MLA I realised that a large number of people, especially those who are financially weak, don't get justice because they cannot afford a good lawyer. I wish to study law to help such people. To do so, it was necessary to clear Class 12 boards," said Mishra.
Just so he could become a lawyer, Mishra, despite having an avid interest in science, opted for the Arts stream.