It’s inspiring to hear the story of Padmavati Nayar, also known as Padmam, a 100-year-old who shows that age is just a number. Born in 1920, Padmam is not only graceful but also creative and determined. Despite her age, she runs a successful business designing and painting sarees. Her story is a reminder that it’s never too late to follow your passions.
A Life Full of Purpose
Padmam’s daily routine revolves around her love for art. She wakes up early around 5:30 to 6:30 a.m., enjoys tea, and reads the news. By 10:30 a.m., she’s at her desk, painting sarees. Each saree is a work of love from the design to the final colors. She enjoys working with materials like tussar silk, even though it’s tricky, as it keeps her mind sharp and active.
“I enjoy every moment of this work it gives me immense satisfaction,” she says. Padmam spends around three hours a day on her art and finishes a saree in about a month. Her family brings her the sarees, and she works hard with passion.
Her sarees, which are priced at ₹11,000 each, are not just clothing but beautiful pieces of art with her personal touch. Padmam earns from her work and spends the money on her grandchildren, never keeping it for herself.
A Story of Family and Art
Padmam’s journey started in Thrissur, Kerala, where she was the ninth of ten siblings. She moved to Mumbai in 1945 after marrying KK Nayar, who worked at Ford Motors. Together, they raised five children. Even as a busy homemaker, Padmam always found time for art. She made clothes for her children and often copied designs she liked. It wasn’t until her sixties that she fully embraced painting, encouraged by her daughter, who was a designer, and her daughters-in-law.
Padmam still remembers her first sale with pride. “It was the first time in my sixty-plus years that I earned something,” she says. Since then, she’s painted many sarees, each showing her love for art.
A Modern Great-Grandmother
Padmam has five children, seven grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren, and she is the center of her large family. Despite being 100, she stays in touch with everyone through WhatsApp and video calls. “Every night, she messages my sister saying, ‘Call now, Usha,’ and waits for the call,” says Lata, one of her daughters.
On her 100th birthday, the family threw a virtual party, and Padmam loved every moment, showing how she embraces technology to stay connected.
A Role Model for Independence
Padmam’s independence is as inspiring as her art. “She bathes herself and would even make her tea if allowed,” says Lata. Padmam’s life philosophy is simple: “Why should I interfere in how someone else lives? I live my life, and I’m happy. You should do the same.” Her advice to women is clear: age is no barrier to pursuing your dreams. “Stay busy, do what you love, and avo
id interfering in others’ lives,” she says.
Finding Community and Inspiration Through Sukoon Unlimited
Padmam’s story aligns perfectly with Sukoon Unlimited, a platform that helps seniors find new passions, meet others, and create fulfilling experiences. At Sukoon Unlimited, people like Padmam can pursue hobbies, share their stories, and learn new things in a supportive community. Padmam’s life is a great example of what the platform aims to achieve
encouraging and inspiring seniors to stay engaged and active.
Padmam Nayar’s life proves that passion, purpose, and resilience are timeless. Her creativity and independence inspire both older and younger generations, reminding us that life can be meaningful at any age.
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