At 99-We remember all the times we shared together.

Points to Ponder: In many ways, old age can be a great blessing because the whole experience of life is behind you. - Candi Brim-Bagley

 

Story Line: There has not been a dull moment in our first 51 days in India. Majestic monuments, historic sites, deserts, forests and vast ocean; beautiful churches, mosques, temples; vibrant cities; watching lions, tigers, leopards within 10 feet of us and other wild animals in their natural environments /forests and noticing incredible energy and enthusiasm of people have been the source of great joy. But the greatest thing has been meeting friends and family members from my childhood days, four of family members ages 91 to 99. 

 

But today’s story is focused mostly on one person; 99 years old Smt. Siddhida A. Trivedi. At the age of 27 she joined Shree Manav Sevak Sangh, a Non-Profit Organization in the field of welfare activities for the Orphan Children and less Privileged Women & Senior Citizen. It’s Mission is to shape and impact the lives of orphaned, abandoned, destitute, Helpless Children and Women. And they have positively impacted thousands of lives. 

 

Many decades ago she was appointed as President and Trustee, the honor she holds until today. She was actively involved in the organization but few years ago Alzheimer took it’s toll. 

 

The reason for this reflection is what happened in the meeting with her last week. 

During our 90 minutes interaction, she asked same questions several times and when I answered, she will recollect other people or events associated with it. But few seconds/minute later, she forgot and asked same question again. But something very surprising happened twice: 

 

When I told her about an organization that is involved in education and empowerment of poor children in Assam, she patiently listened, was very curious and asked many follow up questions about the activities there. The conversation took place for several minutes with continuity of thought process; no memory lapses. At the end I saw happiness on her face. 

 

And when we were leaving, I told her how many orphaned children and women have better life because of her efforts for 70 years, I noticed tears in her eyes. 

For a person who couldn’t remember most of things we discussed seconds ago, had not forgotten things related to noble cause she had dedicated her life. 

I left the place heavy hearted. 

 

Reflection: During my childhood years my family used to visit Bombay during summer vacation. She was always very kind and arrange many sightseeing trips and family events for us. But events that have impacted me most and shaped approach in life is following. 

 

Her husband was a senior executive in India’s largest corporation. Many times while we were at their place, they would get invited to exclusive clubs or homes of their friends ( personal invitations not company events). 

 

We, coming from different upbringing, wore clothes that were not to the standards people wore in those type of places. Plus I wore only rubber slippers; no shoes. 

What I remember is that she would inform her friends that she was bringing us ( her summer guests) at those events, never embarrassed to introduce us to Who’s Who of society and engaged us in conversations with them. 

 

Those experiences shaped my life in two ways: treat every person with dignity irrespective of background or external gadgets and they also gave me a lot of confidence to talk to anyone in any position/place by being Who I am. 

 

How fortunate I am to have been able to meet my aunt, Smt. Siddhidaben after decades and express my gratitude to her. 

 

More about her organization. 
https://www.shreemanavsevasangh.org/

Comments

[DR]

Such a beautiful story and lovely memories! Sounds like you had a wonderful visit home. ❤️

[Anne Chong]

A tribute to your aunt. Beautifully written. Enjoy your stay in India.

[KKS]

Made me smile

[BonBon]

Wonderful note…

Wonderful life…

All that glisten and shimmer are not just memories, but moments in life that mattered… 😊

In many ways, old age can be a great blessing because the whole experience of life is behind you.

[MicroCEO]

A fascinating biography and tribute to your aunt. I imagine she must feel proud for how India is coming of age in this new century and feel hopeful for the good changes and opportunities that may come for the less fortunate people in India.

[Hedda]

Truly amazing

[MC-Singapore]

What an admirable and inspirational lady!

[Gloria]

What a life. Respect❤🙏

[Carol]

One beautiful life. Wonderful bio/tribute. It has always been said our happiness is found when we give happiness and help to the less fortunate.

[Dr Niyati ( posted by FR team)]

Treat everyone equally....no barrier of position ...power .... social status...
Great virtue to imbibe
Regards
God bless her always 💐💐🌹💐🌹🙏

[Sunny B]

Terrific milestone - may she live long !

[FE Japan]

What an encouraging story, Anand! Enjoy the rest the of your stay in India. 😍

[humble warrior]

An eloquent tribute to such a wonderful woman.

[Samuel]

Nice story to highlight someone who did more for others than self. It is hard to do for self, family and community all at same time.

[Hiral Rohit Shah]

I absolutely agree with the writer and believe that when one uses his/her mind to give an answer; if his/her remembrance power has reduced, he/she forgets things often. But when that same person is involved in something with his/her heart, there is no role of brain in such case. And so, even if the remembrance power is less, he/she can easily give answer without forgetting anything. This is so because that answer comes entirely from his/her heart and not the mind.

It’s like a miracle but also an outstanding truth.

[matra]

Siddhidaben, I remembered her fondly. She was a family friend of my uncle who was in education too.
After so many years I remembered her. Rightly say connection of mind and her devotion.
warmly,
Matra

[Anand]

Thanks for your comment Matra. Sadly she passed away 3 days ago. Well lived, purpose driven life that changed lives of 10s of thousands of Orphans and Women in need.