A Green Silk Suit and a Shift in Plans: The Start of Madhulika's Journey
The journey of independence often begins with small steps, and for Madhulika, it started with her first job. She was just 20 when she earned her first salary 500 rupees. "My first salary gave me so much joy. The greater joy was when I gave the money to my mother," she recalls with a smile. But even as she shared this happiness with her mother, she kept aside 100 rupees for herself, buying a beautiful green spun silk fabric to stitch a suit a symbol of her hard-earned independence.
Her dream was to pursue a Master’s in Chemistry, but unexpected hurdles led her to explore another path. She decided to take up a diploma in advertising and public relations, a choice that soon opened doors for her first job at a local newspaper. It wasn’t what she initially planned, but it set her on a path of self-reliance and growth.
Late-Life Learning: Pursuing Dreams Against All Odds
Life has a way of bringing us back to our dreams, even if it takes decades. At 54, when most people slow down, Madhulika decided to start something new pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work. "It took me six years to complete, balancing a full-time job, taking care of my mother, and supporting my husband’s health issues," she shares.
The road wasn’t easy, and at one point, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her studies. She almost gave up. "You generally have that thought oh, now you're so old, what's the point of studying?" But her daughter’s encouragement kept her going: "Mom, you’ve studied so much. Just complete this!" And so she did, earning a first-class degree at the age of 62.
Her daughter had inherited the same strength and determination that Madhulika had learned from her own mother. Just as Madhulika’s mother had always encouraged her, her daughter now played the role of her biggest supporter. This unwavering belief in her mother’s potential gave Madhulika the push she needed to cross the finish line, proving that learning has no age limit.
Defying Stereotypes: A Story of Support and Mutual Respect
Throughout her life, Madhulika strongly believed in the power of financial independence. "Every person, every girl, every boy should acquire skills that make them independent," she says. For her, financial independence was never just about money it was about confidence, stability, and the ability to make choices on her own terms.
Her mother-in-law played a crucial role in reinforcing this belief. When Madhulika was contemplating quitting her job after having her son, her mother-in-law stepped in. "Women who get a secure job should never leave it. A child will grow up, but your life will take a drastic turn if you give up your job," she had said. That advice shaped Madhulika’s career, allowing her to continue working and build a future she could be proud of.
Her mother-in-law was not just a mentor but a silent warrior in Madhulika’s journey. Unlike the conventional stories of difficult relationships, theirs was one of deep respect and unwavering support. By stepping in and ensuring Madhulika could continue working, she helped her build a life of financial security and social recognition.
Life has a way of bringing us back to our dreams, even if it takes decades. At 54, when most people slow down, Madhulika decided to start something new pursuing a Master’s degree in Social Work. "It took me six years to complete, balancing a full-time job, taking care of my mother, and supporting my husband’s health issues," she shares.
The road wasn’t easy, and at one point, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted her studies. She almost gave up. "You generally have that thought oh, now you're so old, what's the point of studying?" But her daughter’s encouragement kept her going: "Mom, you’ve studied so much. Just complete this!" And so she did, earning a first-class degree at the age of 62.
Her daughter had inherited the same strength and determination that Madhulika had learned from her own mother. Just as Madhulika’s mother had always encouraged her, her daughter now played the role of her biggest supporter. This unwavering belief in her mother’s potential gave Madhulika the push she needed to cross the finish line, proving that learning has no age limit.
Defying Stereotypes: A Story of Support and Mutual Respect
Throughout her life, Madhulika strongly believed in the power of financial independence. "Every person, every girl, every boy should acquire skills that make them independent," she says. For her, financial independence was never just about money it was about confidence, stability, and the ability to make choices on her own terms.
Her mother-in-law played a crucial role in reinforcing this belief. When Madhulika was contemplating quitting her job after having her son, her mother-in-law stepped in. "Women who get a secure job should never leave it. A child will grow up, but your life will take a drastic turn if you give up your job," she had said. That advice shaped Madhulika’s career, allowing her to continue working and build a future she could be proud of.
Her mother-in-law was not just a mentor but a silent warrior in Madhulika’s journey. Unlike the conventional stories of difficult relationships, theirs was one of deep respect and unwavering support. By stepping in and ensuring Madhulika could continue working, she helped her build a life of financial security and social recognition.
From "Too Much Time" to Limitless Possibilities: A Retirement Transformation
Madhulika retired in 2020, just as the world was shutting down due to COVID-19. "Suddenly, there was too much time on my hands," she recalls. But instead of feeling lost, she saw retirement as a new beginning.
She took up learning Sanskrit, cleared several levels of online courses, and even learned to swim something she had always wanted to do. She also got involved in community service, finding joy in giving back to society. Her love for travel flourished too, as she explored parts of India and later traveled to Australia. "I love nature, hills, and peaceful places. If there’s a place like that, I’d love to go there," she says.
Her story proves that retirement doesn’t mean the end it can be the start of a new adventure.
Lifelong Learning and Fresh Perspectives: The Value of Every Stage
Madhulika’s philosophy is simple yet profound live in the moment and embrace life with open arms. "Have a positive attitude all the time. There will be ups and downs, but instead of focusing on the problem, find a solution," she advises.
She values friendships deeply, believing that the company of good people makes every challenge easier. She also enjoys the energy of younger friends, learning from their fresh perspectives. If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to take education more seriously and acquire more skills. "I love music, and I wish I had learned to play an instrument," she reflects. But she also believes that learning never stops, no matter what age you are.
She also understands now that her journey was never a solo one. Her mother, her mother-in-law, and her daughter were the three pillars of strength who held her up in different phases of her life. Each, in their own way, gave her the courage to persist, to dream bigger, and to keep moving forward. They were not just her support system they were the foundation of the person she is today.
Madhulika retired in 2020, just as the world was shutting down due to COVID-19. "Suddenly, there was too much time on my hands," she recalls. But instead of feeling lost, she saw retirement as a new beginning.
She took up learning Sanskrit, cleared several levels of online courses, and even learned to swim something she had always wanted to do. She also got involved in community service, finding joy in giving back to society. Her love for travel flourished too, as she explored parts of India and later traveled to Australia. "I love nature, hills, and peaceful places. If there’s a place like that, I’d love to go there," she says.
Her story proves that retirement doesn’t mean the end it can be the start of a new adventure.
Lifelong Learning and Fresh Perspectives: The Value of Every Stage
Madhulika’s philosophy is simple yet profound live in the moment and embrace life with open arms. "Have a positive attitude all the time. There will be ups and downs, but instead of focusing on the problem, find a solution," she advises.
She values friendships deeply, believing that the company of good people makes every challenge easier. She also enjoys the energy of younger friends, learning from their fresh perspectives. If she could give her younger self one piece of advice, it would be to take education more seriously and acquire more skills. "I love music, and I wish I had learned to play an instrument," she reflects. But she also believes that learning never stops, no matter what age you are.
She also understands now that her journey was never a solo one. Her mother, her mother-in-law, and her daughter were the three pillars of strength who held her up in different phases of her life. Each, in their own way, gave her the courage to persist, to dream bigger, and to keep moving forward. They were not just her support system they were the foundation of the person she is today.
Beyond the Closing Chapter: Embracing New Beginnings with Supportive Connections
For many, retirement can feel like the closing of a chapter. But for people like Madhulika, it is just the beginning of a new adventure. That’s where communities like Sukoon Unlimited come in. Sukoon Unlimited is a platform dedicated to bringing senior citizens together, helping them stay engaged, explore their interests, and build meaningful connections.
Whether it’s learning new skills, traveling, volunteering, or simply finding a supportive community, Sukoon Unlimited encourages seniors to live their best lives. Madhulika’s journey is proof that age is just a number, and every stage of life holds endless possibilities.
She continues to inspire those around her, showing that with determination, passion, and a positive outlook, life can always be an exciting journey.
For many, retirement can feel like the closing of a chapter. But for people like Madhulika, it is just the beginning of a new adventure. That’s where communities like Sukoon Unlimited come in. Sukoon Unlimited is a platform dedicated to bringing senior citizens together, helping them stay engaged, explore their interests, and build meaningful connections.
Whether it’s learning new skills, traveling, volunteering, or simply finding a supportive community, Sukoon Unlimited encourages seniors to live their best lives. Madhulika’s journey is proof that age is just a number, and every stage of life holds endless possibilities.
She continues to inspire those around her, showing that with determination, passion, and a positive outlook, life can always be an exciting journey.
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