Reinvention at 70

My reinvention story started after I retired from my job in 2007, as the CMD of Anugrah Madison, a company I founded in 1986, at the age of 44. Inspired by hundreds of biographies I have read (and still read), I decided to pursue a lifelong dream of writing my autobiography, immediately after retirement. It was a candid story of a boy from a lower middle-class family, from the chawls of Bombay, who rose to make a name in the world of advertising as a specialist in Rural Marketing/communication. Interesting story of a city boy becoming a rural specialist! An uncommon story of a common man. 

The success of my autobiography titled ` Courage My Companion` published in 2009, made me take up writing seriously. Encouraged by Mr S.Muthiah, a veteran journalist and my mentor, I started writing on various topics. I uploaded them to my blog and also shared them with my contacts through social media. Many of my articles were also published in both local and national media. The positive feedback I got for my style of writing encouraged me to try different genres of writing. I am happy to say that in the last 16 years, since the publication of my autobiography, I have published 13 books covering eight genres of writing. It includes, besides my autobiography, a book on Rural Marketing, three books containing collections of my essays published in the media, a short story collection, a novella, History of an Association, a biography of a well-known Rotarian etc. Today, writing is one of the important activities, besides reading, which keeps me busy.

 Though I retired as the CMD of my company at the age of 65, I continued for the next five years as the Chairman Emeritus of the company, attending the office for half a day. This allowed me to use my Secretary in connection with a few professional and voluntary organisations I was involved with. She also helped me in my presentations on Rural marketing to the students of management institutes across the country. At 70, I finally decided to cut my umbilical cord with a profession with which I was associated for 45 long years. Simultaneously, I also decided to resign from all statutory responsibilities connected with all the other organisations I was involved with. I also stopped teaching. I did this to ensure that I lead a stress-free life, post retirement. Sports, Music, and watching films on OTT or TV do not interest me. Though I believe in total surrender to God, I am not spiritually oriented. So I concentrate on my writing, reading, and also cooking -another passion which I enjoy. I experiment with new recipes, which I share with friends and family. 

2013 marked an important turning point in my life because of two incidents: I lost my wife, Prabha, in January, and I had a heart attack necessitating angiography with one stent placed in my heart in December. It was April ,2012 ,that we had a memorable trip to Kashmir. Prabha called it a `childhood dream come true`. Unfortunately, within six weeks of our return from that dream holiday, her world came crashing down. We discovered that she was being consumed by the dreaded crab disease, and metastasis had already set in. Exactly seven months after the diagnosis of the disease she was gone on 5th January,2013. She was only 61. My `Kashmir ki Kali` left me after being my life partner for 40 years.

 Though her end was expected, as it was terminal cancer, I was shattered. However, I decided to stay alone in my part of the home instead of merging with my son's family. I tried to maintain it as well as she would have liked me to, as Prabha was a house proud woman. I had promised to look after the garden that she had created around my home. I did it with the help of a gardener. I always felt that she was around the house and keeping an eye on me. Many friends who came to offer condolences assured me that time is a great healer and I would forget and learn to live without Prabha. But I decided not to forget her. Instead of mourning her death, I decided to celebrate her memory by starting the Prabha Rajan Talent Foundation ( PRTF) in 2013. Prabha, encouraged by me, had become an accomplished story writer in Tamil, late in life. Through PRTF, I started helping budding women writers come to the limelight. I have been doing this by sponsoring writing competitions in association with some well-known Tamil magazines, besides helping some of them publish their first books. These activities also keep me busy in my old age. While coping with the loss of my wife I got very busy completing my book on Rural Marketing and getting ready for its release in October,2013. The hectic schedule preceding and following the event and the tension associated with it resulted in my getting a heart attack. While recovering from the setback, staying alone in the house, I started missing Prabha- the minute-to-minute care that only a life partner can give and which you can demand from her. It was a wake-up call, making me realise the importance of looking after my health. 

I decided to completely change my lifestyle, to ensure that I face my twilight years with good health. I stopped imbibing the cup that cheers and the deadly snacks that go with that habit. I ensured that my dietary habits also changed to suit my new lifestyle. I have a good breakfast, a moderate lunch and a frugal dinner before 7.00 pm. I go to bed by 9.00 pm and get up by 4.30 am. In addition to my morning walks, which I have been doing for the last 50 years, I also started doing some physical exercises at home, which included Pranayama and Meditation. I have never been physically adventurous, but I am willing to challenge myself with new projects which involve my brain. My general health parameters are ok, though I do suffer from shifting muscular pains and other age-related health issues. I have learnt to live with them. In 2024, 

I made another major decision with a long-term vision. I decided to shift to Nana Nani, a well-run senior citizen home in Coimbatore, to lead an independent life without responsibilities, despite having everything going for me at my home in Chennai. I had my son staying with me, and my siblings staying in the same housing complex. My elder daughter was just 10 minutes away by car. I did this to ensure that I am not a burden on my children on a day-to-day basis. Another reason was that my 40-year-old independent home was beginning to show many cracks and was becoming a security risk. I wanted to clear the way for my son to take up the redevelopment of the house. I chose Coimbatore to move because of its pleasant weather 10 months in a year as against the scorching heat of Chennai for 9 months in a year. Besides, Nana Nani offers many facilities. It has a vibrant community. Apart from the instant medical facilities, it also has many in-house activities to keep me busy, without having to go out. I have become popular as a writer in the community, with the residents eagerly looking forward to my reviews of programmes held in the community. I have helped many writers and other talented people in the community to come to the limelight through my interview-based articles, published in some magazines and shared on social media. I was thrilled when, within 12 months of my stay in the Home, I received the `Inspiring Writer Award` from the residents at an Award function. 

My friendly nature and positive attitude have helped me to make many new friends who make me feel a part of a big Nana Nani, Phase 4 family. I don't feel lonely at all. Besides, my policy of `detached attachment` towards my near and dear ones helps me in not missing anyone. I am very happy with my stay at NNP4 for the last two years. 

As an Octogenarian at 83, I am enjoying my new avatar as a writer/author while following a policy of making at least one person happy every day. I am financially secure and can manage my affairs without depending on my children. I have discovered the joy of giving- sharing my resources, in terms of cash, kind and my time, for the benefit of those in need. Staying in a Community like Nana Nani, I feel a new purpose and meaning in my life. I am leading a stress-free life, waiting impatiently for the final departure call from my maker, constantly praying that the Lord above takes me with my shoes on.