At 107 years old, she wakes up at 3 AM, heads to her farm before all her workers, and after a full day of farming, cycles to the market to sell her produce. This is the incredible routine of a woman who defies age and limitations, embodying strength, resilience, and an indomitable spirit.
Growing up, formal education was a luxury she couldn't afford. Yet, she taught herself, driven by an insatiable curiosity and determination. Married at 14, she inherited her father’s land, and while many women of her time were confined to household chores, she refused to be idle. At 16, she started her first venture—an idli-vada shop. In the 1950s, she made about 20 Rs a month, a significant sum for the time.
Unable to have children of their own, she and her husband adopted a son. Even as her son grew up, she never stopped seeking new challenges. At 35, she broke barriers by becoming the first woman Sarpanch of her village. She travelled to farmers’ meets and learned about organic farming, which ignited a new passion.
At 50, she invested all her savings to buy 10 acres of land, where she started cultivating her own crops organically. Despite not earning much, she found contentment in her work, donating the extra produce after taking care of her family’s needs.
Today, at 107, her routine remains unchanged. She often finds herself having to motivate the younger generation, including her 16-year-old great-grandson, who needs frequent breaks. She humorously scolds him, “Wake up, you lazy boy!” Her dedication is unwavering, having never taken a single day off in her life.\
Her incredible journey has made her a local legend. On her 100th birthday, 3000 villagers celebrated her with a grand party. She fed them chicken biryani, and they danced to folk songs. She has become a symbol of good luck, frequently invited to weddings to bless couples.
Her life took another remarkable turn when she received a call from Delhi two weeks ago, informing her that she was being awarded the Padma Shri. Now, hundreds queue outside her house, and she has become a media sensation, giving up to 30 interviews a day. Her grandson proudly tells her, “Paatti, you’ve become a celebrity!” She chuckles and responds, “When was I not?”
From running an idli-vada shop to being a pioneering Sarpanch, from owning an organic farm to becoming a celebrated figure, her life is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her story continues to inspire, proving that age is just a number and that with determination, anything is possible.
Source / Image Credit : Humans Bombay