The Woman Who Said "Yes" to Life: Indra's Empowering Story of Growth and Discovery

Life is a journey of constant learning, and for Indra, every experience has been an opportunity to grow. From childhood lessons in awareness to raising a family and overcoming personal challenges, she has always focused on moving forward with a positive mindset. Now, as she enjoys a life of independence, she looks back on the choices that shaped her journey, each one teaching her something valuable.

Navigating the World: A Young Mind's First Lesson in Awareness
Indra’s understanding of the world began early in life. One of her first memories is from when she was just five or six years old. She was running an errand for her mother when she decided to grab onto the back of a passing bicycle to get home faster.

"The man riding the cycle stopped and said, ‘Sit on the cycle, I will drop you home.’ But I refused. He stopped three or four times along the way, asking me again, but I never sat." At that young age, she was already cautious. "I had read stories about kidnappings, and I knew I shouldn’t trust a stranger. I decided to go on my own."

That decision stayed with her for life. It reinforced her belief in being aware of her surroundings and trusting her instincts something that later helped her as she navigated different challenges in adulthood.

The Power of Devotion: A Mother's Focus on Education and Opportunity
Years later, when Indra became a mother, she applied the same careful decision making to raising her children. She dedicated herself to giving them the best opportunities, ensuring they received a strong foundation in education and life.

"My children are my biggest pride. Both of them studied at IIT, and my daughter went on to complete her MBA from Stanford," she says with pride. She focused entirely on her children, making sure they never faced the struggles she did. "I faced difficulties, but I never let those difficulties reach my children." Now that they are settled, Indra has the time and freedom to focus on herself. "For years, I lived for my kids. Now, I live for myself. I do what I want, and I enjoy this phase of my life."

Her journey as a mother shaped her beliefs on parenting, especially on how children should be encouraged rather than compared.

 

 

The Power of Individuality: Rejecting Comparison, Embracing Uniqueness
Throughout her life, Indra strongly believed that every child is unique and should be supported in their own way. She never compared her children to others and made sure no one else did either.

"If someone came to me and said, ‘Look, this child is better than yours,’ I would stop them immediately. I would say, ‘No, don’t say such things in front of children. They are both equal.’"

She carried this belief beyond her own family, often advising other parents and teachers. "I have done counseling in schools and always tell parents each child has different strengths. One may be good at studies, another may be good at sports or art. If we keep comparing, we ruin their confidence."

This perspective on raising children came from her own experiences. She knew that encouragement builds confidence, while comparison creates doubt. It was this mindset that guided her through many of her own challenges in life.

The Power of "Keep Going": Turning Adversity into Resilience
Indra’s life was not without hardships. After marriage, she faced health issues, financial struggles, and emotional challenges. In the early years, she often had to manage things on her own, from recovering after surgeries to handling household responsibilities.

"Money was tight, and I had to be careful about every expense. There was no family support, and sometimes I felt completely alone. But I always told myself today is hard, but tomorrow will be better." Through it all, one person remained her pillar of strength her husband. "When I got married, my husband was the one who gave me the support I needed. While I had no extended family to lean on, he was always there."

Unlike many women of her time, Indra did not face restrictions from her in-laws. "His parents and relatives never stopped me from moving forward. They always told me, ‘Do what makes you happy.’ That was my biggest support." Her husband encouraged her to believe in herself. "When I doubted myself, he reminded me that I was capable. That kind of support makes a huge difference in life."

One of the most memorable things he did for her was helping her fulfill a long-time dream learning to ride a bicycle. "I had always wanted to ride a cycle, but I never had the chance as a child. One day, my husband got me a rental cycle and said, ‘Learn on your own.’ And I did! Later, he encouraged me to learn to ride a Luna scooter and even a car."

Despite the struggles, Indra remained positive. "If I had received constant support from family, I might not have developed the resilience I have now. But having my husband believe in me made all the difference."

Her advice to others is simple: "Keep going. Situations change, and things improve with time."

 

 

Lifelong Learning: A Recipe for a Vibrant and Meaningful Life
Even after all these years, Indra continues to explore new things and enjoys learning. She has always believed that age should never be a barrier to curiosity.

"When I went to Bangalore, I saw my son-in-law using his phone in a way I had never seen before. Instead of typing the OTP manually, he copied and pasted it. I was curious, so I watched him closely. The next day, I tried it myself!"

Her curiosity extends to technology, language, and new ways of doing things. "I may not know everything, but I learn fast compared to many in my age group." Beyond technology, Indra enjoys discovering new hobbies. "I love playing Tambola, watching movies, and even picking up new words in English. I may not be fluent, but I keep learning because it excites me."

Her curiosity and determination go beyond just personal learning she believes in improving the world around her. When she saw that her building’s seniors and children had no proper place to relax and play, she took action.

"During election time, a politician came asking for votes. I told him, ‘I will vote for you only if you develop a park in our area.’"

She didn’t stop at just making a demand she got involved. "I followed up, kept asking questions, and made sure the work got done. Eventually, the park was developed, and today, it’s a space where children play and seniors gather."

Among the places she has traveled, Bhutan remains her favorite. "I loved the peace and simplicity. I would love to visit again."

Her love for learning and taking initiative has kept her mind active, her conversations engaging, and her life interesting. "No matter how old you are, there is always something new to learn."

Life's Next Chapter: Embracing Connection, Learning, and Joy.
Now that Indra has more time for herself, she understands the importance of staying socially active. That’s why she believes in Sukoon Unlimited a platform where senior citizens can stay engaged, share experiences, and make meaningful connections.

"Life is more enjoyable when you have people to talk to, laugh with, and share stories," she says.

Sukoon Unlimited provides a space where seniors can participate in activities, play games like Tambola, and continue learning. Having a supportive network makes this phase of life more fulfilling and enriching.

Indra’s journey is a reminder that life doesn’t stop after responsibilities are fulfilled it becomes an opportunity to explore, learn, and enjoy every moment. With the right people around, every stage of life can be meaningful and rewarding.