Wisdom Stories Ep.68: Veenu Shah

Wisdom Stories Ep.68: Veenu Shah

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 feel blessed to be born to exceptional parents. My father was in the ICS at the time of independence where he led pioneering initiatives in nation-building, be it around strengthening the Indian Confederacy or Economic/Foreign Policy related matters. My mother was spiritually inclined and incredibly generous. I spent my impressionable years observing and absorbing their values and spirit. I learned the importance of hard work early when I failed in 9th grade. This unexpected setback was the foundation of a strong work ethic that has held me in good stead.

In 1965, I found my passion in enamelling, and I have been honing my skills for the last 55 years. It is important to find and nurture one’s passion outside of work or family. It centres our energy and helps us combat loneliness. Once I returned to India, I started the Enamel Society in 1995, where a group of enamellers came to India from all over the world from 45 countries to hold a huge exhibition at the Crafts Museum. The society is functional today, and I remain associated with it, albeit as a mentor. I want to use my time to teach and inspire others to take over the mantle. I have a running studio, where I have held workshops for the last 25 years.

My sister and her husband have had a deep impact on me. She runs an NGO called Janmadhyam for the last 40 years, focusing on children with disabilities. She inspired me to contribute to the lives of less privileged. About 15 years ago, I got involved with the Raj Kumar Kamal Nain Trust, which runs a learning center in the slums of Okhla for 100 children. The goal is to have them see a brighter future for themselves, as they are first generation learners.

I have inherited my mother’s spiritual side and have derived immense strength and wisdom from it. I believe that children at a young age need to internalize spirituality to counter the evils of social media, consumerism and a lack of a strong value system to ground them.

I live a simple life founded on the wisdom of traditional Indian values. My hope is to inspire people to discover the richness in our spiritual legacy instead of trying to ape the West.

– Veenu Shah

Photo and Interview credits – Saonli Bedi of WisdomCircle
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