HER LIFE IN IMAGES

Growing up, Mata Mendro never had access to education. However, her husband Sardar Kartar’s passion for learning made her realize the importance of attaining an education after her marriage. She credits Sardar Kartar for educating her and recalled how he used to come back home from night classes to teach her the coursework he had been taught.

As an enthusiastic and action-orientated young woman, she would often get frustrated with her husband for compelling her to focus on desk-bound school work. Eventually, Sardar Kartar, together with the Late Justice Choor Singh (a family friend) realized that she needed a concrete goal to work towards and promised to gift her with a scooter if she achieved success in her studies.

Mata Mendro’s ability to fluently speak in three languages as well as read in two is a testament to both her discipline and her husband’s dedication. Her endeavour indicates that anyone, even those not inclined to academic learning, can learn and excel if they apply themselves effectively by implementing relevant tools to achieve success.

Over the years, Mata Mendro supported her children during their tertiary education as well as encouraged her grandchildren and other community members to pursue their education despite their age or the background they came from, which helped many to attain success academically and in their careers.