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.
“My father was in the army, and we grew up in different stations across India. I got married to an army officer as well, after a course in Textile Design. When my husband was posted in Chennai, I noticed that clothing options were limited, given that everyone wore sarees around me. I applied my knowledge of textiles and design to rustle up a dress all by myself (print, design, cut and stitch) on special occasions and received great feedback from friends.
My first professional engagement started in Chennai when my friend gave me some fabric and asked me to stitch for her. Through word of mouth, my work expanded. In 1987, I was interviewed by Doordarshan, where I shared my professional journey. Sabita Radhakrishnan, who owned a boutique, saw the episode and roped me in as her designer. This took off very well, and I requested my husband to extend his posting by a year, to keep up with my work.
When my husband moved to Kashmir, I wound up my work in Chennai and got my teachers training instead, as I realized that with constant moves, I couldn’t continue in other professions. I started teaching English in the army school and moved back to Delhi in a few years. After my children grew older, I worked at a bookstore first at the Maurya Hotel where I managed it for the next 20 years, and then in Gurgaon. I loved being surrounded by good books and conversations.
A few years ago, I injured my foot on a vacation which took a very long time to heal. With limited mobility, I couldn’t work. Not being one to sit at home, I got interested in modelling. My granddaughter helped me with my Instagram account, and I got my first opportunity through this platform at the age of 66. It’s been 2 years since, and I have been receiving a steady stream of projects. The freedom of making my own schedule around my priorities is my secret sauce.
My mother had a huge impact on my life. An army wife, she had a great sense of aesthetics and a strong eye for detail. I developed a passion for the arts by observing her and being her sparring partner in my formative years. The army way of life helped me enormously to make me adaptive and build a strong bond with people with varied backgrounds.
To keep evolving, we must keep ourselves engaged at any age. For me, there is no fixed routine and therefore I need to be self-motivated to look after myself both physically and mentally. My advice to the Wisdom Generation is to invest in your health early and focus on your interests.”
Explore more inspiring journeys—read more Wisdom Stories here.
Photo and Interview credits – Saonli Bedi of WisdomCircle
