This World Senior Citizen's Day, let's celebrate India's "older people" who are making a difference in society.
"You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
Society expects you to slow down as you grow older - no purpose and no challenging activities. But does it really have to be this way? Absolutely not! Age is indeed just a number, and should never be a barrier in one's life. There are many Indians over 60 years old who are breaking free from those age norms and making a significant difference. Our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, himself is 73 years old, while Amitabh Bachchan continues to be a superstar at the age of 81 and Ratan Tata is working for societal welfare at 86. They are renowned figures and hence are always in the spotlight. However, there are countless "unsung heroes" as well who are leaving a mark silently.
World Senior Citizen's Day is celebrated on August 21 every year to recognize the contributions of older people to society. On this occasion, let's have a look at some 60+ Indians who are defying age norms.
Aging is beautiful, and Mukta Singh is an example of that. She has donned several hats throughout her life - from a writer to a corporate trainer to an artist and more. And now, at the age of over 60, she is a successful model. Yes, you read that right!
Mukta began her career as a professional model at the age of 58. And it didn't take her long to carve a niche for herself in the industry. She believes that "age is no bar in fashion", and advocates the same everywhere. Last year, she bagged the Kamala Power Women Awards in the ''Success After 60'' category.
Credit: maketherightshift
Omkar Nath Sharma, 83, is a retired blood bank technician from Kailash Hospital in Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh. However, he is not someone who prefers living a purpose-free life post-retirement. So what is he upto these days?
Credit: medicine.baba
Well, known as the "Medicine Baba", Omkar voluntarily collects unused medicines and distributes them to the poor free of charge. He started this in 2008 when an under-constructed metro bridge in East Delhi collapsed, injuring many who couldn't afford the treatment cost. Since then, he has walked five or six kilometers every day to collect as well as distribute medicines (without making any profit). He is a recipient of several awards, including the Delhi Gaurav Award 2016.
Kanti Ganguly once served as the minister in charge of Sundarbans Development, West Bengal. He no longer holds a position in the government, however, is still doing his job dedicatedly - even at the age of 81. Popularly known as "Kanti Buro", he is an environmentalist and social worker devoted to improving the lives of Sundarbans' residents.
There's a popular saying in Bengal, "Jhawrer Aagey Kanti Aashey", which means "Before The Storm, Comes Kanti". Every year, just when the news of cyclones hitting the Sundarbans region breaks out, Kanti emerges in the scene and leads the charge. He visits all the cyclone-prone areas extensively and assists village people in fighting the disaster. And he continues to stay at the forefront after the cyclones, helping to rebuild what has been destroyed.
Com. Kanti Ganguly has opened a SAFE HOUSE in Raidighi for all those affected by #CycloneRemal . #RedVolunteers #CPIM #LeftAlternative pic.twitter.com/jsJzC4EQDE
— Sanjukta Choudhury (@SanjuktaChoudh5) May 27, 2024
Credit: Sanjukta Choudhary
The 81-year-old is a superhero for the people in Sundarbans. And the kind of enthusiasm he has at this age is an inspiration for all of us.
The list includes so many names that it's impossible to mention all in one article. However, what's more important is to celebrate those heroes, and take inspiration from their lives. Happy World Senior Citizen's Day to all of them.
