KUALA LUMPUR: Wheelchair-bound Muhammad Nasir Hashim had a point to prove and prove it he did at University Malaya’s (UM) convocation ceremony yesterday.

The 48-year-old graduate received his Masters degree in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis, proving that age and disability were no barrier when one was determined to succeed.

“I have done it,” he said with a satisfied smile.

Muhammad lost the use of his legs 22 years ago in a motor vehicle accident.

The principal assistant director at the Health Ministry’s National Pharmaceutical Control Bureau said, initially, he suffered from depression after the accident, but with the help of his family and friends, he managed to find the will to live life to the fullest. He enrolled for full-time classes for his studies in 2005, so that he could have a break from his normal routine.

“My disability makes it difficult for me to move easily from one place to another, so going for classes has been a welcome break,” said the father of two.

Asked if UM was “disability friendly”, Nasir said the only place he faced problems was at the library because he could not reach the higher shelves.

“I constantly had to ask the librarian to get the books for me,” he said.

As for M. Sumathi,33, and her husband, V.Raj Morgan,40, it was a case of two heads is better than one. The couple graduated together, receiving their masters degree in Performing Arts.

They helped and supported each other during times of stress.

“We needed to do that because we had no break, no holidays. We were always studying,” said Sumathi, adding that both she and her husband were full-time teachers and did their classes part time.

They attributed their success to their parents and their professor Dr Ghulam-Sarwar Yousof.

“Our parents helped to take care of our five-year-old daughter while Dr Ghulam made time to meet us at the oddest hours,” said Sumathi.

“Because of our tight schedule, we would meet in coffee shops late in the night to discuss our work. He was our inspiration,” said Raj.

Sherry Ann Daniel and husband, K.Ravinther, both 38, said that studying together was very beneficial to their relationship.

Sherry Ann, who received her masters in Instructional Technology, said that despite 13 years of marriage, both she and her husband learnt a lot about each other in the two years that it took to finish their programmes.

“You discover more about your partner. It was a wonderful experience,” she said.

Ravinther, who received his masters in management said that his wife tutored him and his classmates in some of their subjects.

The couple who work as training consultants, said that their parents provided much support in taking care of their three daughters while the both of them attended classes.

Ravinther also credited their Indonesian maid of six years for her support.

“She was amazing. If we were stuck in classes and late going home, all we had to do was call her and we knew that our children’s needs would be taken care of,” he said.