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.
A turning point in my life was when I got to go to London on a tourist visa at 24 years of age. I extended my stay to 10 years, hustling through odd jobs to eventually own a souvenir shop on Oxford Street, otherwise known as the Golden Mile. I was lucky to have met the right people at the right time, who helped me become a legal citizen of the UK, albeit after a period of intense struggle. You must keep trying till someone opens the door for you.
I was focused on making money in London, as I did not have a career in India to come back to. I was unfazed by hardships and tried my hand at multiple things. I got my breaks as I went along. I never take no for an answer, and that helped. All my failures turned into success, as I see them as learnings. If you know what you want, and you keep at it, you will get there eventually, after a fair share of iterations. That is the process of life.
The most powerful skill I learned over the years is to be sincere and transparent. Nothing in life functions properly without it. I have been deeply influenced by Pepe Mujica Cordano, former President of Uruguay. Here was a man who walked the talk and lived a life of honesty and sincerity. A fine example of a world leader that power couldn’t corrupt. He continues to live on a small farm with his wife, his dogs and other farm animals.
10 years ago, I was diagnosed with intestinal cancer. I am cancer-free now and have found purpose in helping those in need. You cannot commit to serving humanity sitting in an air-conditioned office with people waiting on you. You must be hands-on. I have worked on creating more sturdy and efficient cycle rickshaws. I have offered my skills to an orphanage, to a last-stage cancer hospice, served langar (food) to the homeless in Chandni Chowk and carried out the cremation of the needy to give them a dignified end.
In 2014, in the smothering heat of the Delhi summer, I turned my attention to water. After seeing so many people go thirsty, I began to provide them with clean water. This work has now expanded to encompass a much larger range of activities for the poor.
I have developed and set up more than 15 matka stands with over 80 matkas all over my neighbourhood in South Delhi. The stands have a sign with my telephone number so people can notify me when a matka is empty. The matkas need around 2000 litres a day in the summer months. I maintain their water levels daily with my van. We also prepare nutritious food to distribute to the working classes of my neighbourhood with a focus on construction labourers. I go out twice/thrice a week and serve approximately 200-250 people at 2-3 construction sites. I offer food to security guards and drivers along the way.
My current assignment comes with its own set of highs and lows. I have had to force my way through a lot of opposition, either in my neighbourhood or by local governing bodies. On the other hand, I receive large donations for my cause from strangers.
After a certain age, it is important to let go of ego and vanity. My message to the Wisdom Generation is to provoke your conscience and to focus on how you can contribute to your community. I dream of a more equitable world, where the rich share more of their time and resources with the poor. Poverty is not made by god; it is made by the greed of men.
I wish to continue to help those in need and to inspire people to help the needy for as long as I can. Perhaps then, I can start a quiet revolution of human kindness.
– Alag Natarajan
Interview & Photograph credits: Saonli Bedi of WisdomCircle
