From Begging on the Streets to Online English Teacher: The Inspiring Story of 81-Year-Old Marilyn

Life can change in the blink of an eye, and hope can come from the most unexpected places. Such is the incredible story of an 81-year-old grandmother named Marilyn, who was once reduced to begging on the streets of Chennai, India. Her journey from destitution to becoming an online English teacher is nothing short of remarkable.

Love, Loss, and Redemption: Marilyn's Path from Myanmar to Chennai

Marilyn, originally from Rangoon in old Burma, was a math and English teacher in her younger years. She had dreams and aspirations, but fate had a different plan for her. Love brought her to India, where she married an Indian man. However, tragedy struck as she lost her husband and relatives, leaving her completely alone in a foreign land.

How Instagram Helped an 81-Year-Old Grandma Rediscover Her Purpose"

With no one to turn to and no means of support, Marilyn found herself resorting to begging just to satisfy her hunger. It was during this challenging phase of her life that she arrived in Chennai. Little did she know that her life was about to take a transformative turn, thanks to a chance encounter with Muhammad Ashiq, who would later become an Instagram influencer.

Changing Lives, One Lesson at a Time: Marilyn's English Teaching Adventure

When Muhammad learned about Marilyn’s heartbreaking story, he extended a helping hand. Initially, Marilyn expressed a simple wish for a change of clothes, and Muhammad promptly fulfilled it by purchasing a saree for her. However, Muhammad couldn’t bear to see Marilyn, a former teacher with excellent English skills, reduced to begging.

Determined to make a difference in her life, Muhammad decided to create an Instagram page for Marilyn. The purpose? To share the basics of English with her followers, with Marilyn as the teacher. His condition was clear: Marilyn would no longer need to beg for alms, and she would be compensated for her English lessons through the videos they would create together.

The Power of Compassion: Marilyn's”Rise from Desperation to Inspiration

Marilyn wholeheartedly embraced this opportunity, and thus, “English with Marilyn” was born on Instagram. No longer relegated to the streets, she moved into an old-age home and began her new career as an online English teacher. In just a short time, they uploaded three videos to the page.

The response was astounding.

 In just two days, Marilyn’s Instagram page garnered nearly four and a half lakh (450,000) followers. Her journey from a life of destitution to a respected online English teacher serves as a heartwarming reminder that it’s never too late to chase your dreams and that kindness can truly change lives.

Marilyn’s story is a testament to the power of compassion, determination, and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that a small act of kindness can have a ripple effect, transforming not only one person’s life but also inspiring countless others along the way.

Marilyn, an 81-year-old grandmother from Myanmar, once resorted to begging on the streets of Chennai, India, after losing her family. Her life took a dramatic turn when she met Muhammad Ashiq, an Instagram influencer, who was moved by her story. Muhammad decided to help Marilyn by creating an Instagram page called “English with Marilyn,” where she could teach English to her followers. Marilyn agreed to stop begging and was paid for her lessons. Within two days, the page gained nearly 450,000 followers. Marilyn’s inspiring journey from beggar to respected online English teacher is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and determination.

By : Sunil Kumar