Cultural expectations surrounding the elderly are being challenged today, and with good reason!

While it was the norm to slow down and retreat into a quieter life post-retirement, more men and women are finding purpose and joy in doing the opposite.

WisdomCircle honours such men and women by shining light on their journey through an inspiring series called “Wisdom Stories”. These people have successfully smashed stereotypes, and their stories remind us that life should be lived to the fullest, no matter what age or stage.

I spent thirty years of my life in the corporate sector with two companies, Dunlop India (an international brand in the tyre industry) and Duncans Industries of the GP Goenka group. I headed the procurement and materials division for the tea business of the company.

The first serious challenge in my life came when Duncans folded up in 2001 and all senior managers were rendered jobless. At age 51, I was out of the job market while my children were yet to complete their education. I started a business in plantation chemicals for the tea industry, something I was familiar with. That business survives to this day and has helped
to keep my head above water!

I have been an artist since age ten and pursued this as an alternate career. My employers were always very supportive of my skills and that helped. I have exhibited my work in Delhi, Mumbai, Kathmandu, London, Washington DC, Wellington, New Zealand, etc. I represented India for the Golden Anniversary of Independence through the Indian High Commission in London and the Indian Embassy in Washington.

In 2003, I was diagnosed with blood cancer (Non-Hodgkins lymphoma). It was in the third stage and touch and go! I had an invitation from President Abdul Kalam to do a series on Rashtrapati Bhavan. I wrote to him about my predicament and assured him that I would complete my assignment as soon as I recovered. I did go back after one year.

Meeting Dr Kalam personally, was truly a life experience. On arrival, I was escorted to his private study overlooking the Mughal Gardens. We spent forty five minutes together and his focus was my illness and how he could help. He then offered to host my exhibition in the Bhavan in 2005. He invited my wife and children to be his resident guests and a large gathering of senior staff and dignitaries for the event. I could not have asked for more and, to this day , savour every minute of my time with this great humanitarian and scientist.

I came home and soon my wife Sita was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. She had six months to live and passed in December 2005. The two days spent in Rashtrapati Bhavan were our last family holiday so to speak. We were married for thirty years.

Today, I keep myself occupied with my artistic pursuits. I also oversee my chemical business with the tea companies that I am enlisted with. I have added another marketing service to Goodricke Group Ltd by selling their tea brands to premium hotels in the country like Intercontinental Group and Hilton. I enjoy the concept of negotiating and finalising a business deal that survives the onslaught of competition.

If there is one lesson I have learnt in all my years, it is “ Never say Die “ The most successful people are those who have had maximum failures. If you fall, you rise again!

Interview Credits: Saonli Bedi of WisdomCircle

Wisdom Stories Ep.56: Swaroop Mukherji