Graduation is a momentous occasion, a celebration of years of hard work and dedication. However, for digital creator Rashika Fazali, this milestone took an unexpected turn. Unable to afford the ₹32,000 ceremony fee, she attended her own graduation as a guest.
Fazali shared this ‘bittersweet moment’ on Instagram, explaining that financial constraints made attending the ceremony as a participant impossible. “Financially, I couldn’t afford it. And it was a no-brainer that surviving the month was more important than walking the stage,” she wrote.
This wasn’t the first time financial issues impacted her academic journey. She revealed that she couldn’t complete her bachelor’s degree due to similar financial challenges. Despite not being able to walk the stage this time, Fazali expressed pride in her achievements, including graduating with merit and distinction in her research, all while being a single working mother.
Her story resonated with many, drawing praise for her resilience and humility. However, it also sparked outrage among users regarding the high cost of graduation ceremonies, with many calling for more flexible payment options from educational institutions. Fazali’s decision highlights the difficult choices many students face when balancing educational aspirations with financial realities.