Coimbatore, Nov.5 : Does life really become insipid as we age or is it just a perception? What stops us from setting new goals or dreaming? As people become senior citizens, they tend to take the retirement phase too seriously. They slow down, are hesitant to take up anything new, and some even say they have started counting their days.
But there are those, who, keeping in mind the 'revised' health and age factor, set new goals, to face a new innings in life. This new series brings to you such people of spunk.
Nina Prabhu: Breathing art into fabric
"My grey hairs don't remind me of my age. Indeed, they remind me of the journey I've come through. I have never been torpid. Though I was a homely person I was a busy bee all the time. And, now at 60-plus nothing has changed per se", dazzles Nina Prabhu who was busily painting a dancing peacock on a plain black saree.
Nina has donned several roles in her life; an ex-President of the Ladies Circle India; an active social worker; and an artist who firmly says "I will never retire".
"Way back, when I was in Pune, I learnt the art of painting. Since then, it has always been my passion . All these years, my role of being a mother and professional chores forced me to keep aside my passion. But, now after I've aged, I ensured I practise my passion, not to keep me busy but content." says Nina.
"Art is timeless. Every saree I paint is an expression of myself. I speak through art; I express through art; I will live forever through art", shares Nina.
Her hand-painted saris, dupattas, scarves, cushion covers, bed sheets and more speak about her passion for art. She doesn't shy away from naming them of her choice.
"It's my creation hence I name it as I wish. "Zor ka Jhatka” and "Kiss from a Rose" etc. are the names of some of my creations", Nina says.
These days everybody has an online store to sell hisher products. Right now, I do customised orders hence I don't prefer selling online. The uniqueness and the personal touch would fade off if I indulge in mass production. And, above all, I am good at handling my paint brush but not computers", twinkles Nina.
“It was during last year I got my mother’s sari revamped by Nina aunty. She added a whole new touch to it. She covered up the fabric damages with such beautiful designs. Every time I wear it, the compliments follow”, gleams Vidhya Rajshekar, a client.
"I don't pre-plan as to what to paint on a saree or a tunic. Only after I see the saree, I think of the theme and propose it to the customer. If they are fine with it, I go ahead. Some of my customers would want a particular concept to be painted, a Kalamkari pattern, orchid kind of floral pattern, birds and more, I deliver what they want", remarks Nina who is very particular about giving unique stuff to her clients.
"And, there are days were I continue to paint till 4 in the morning. Art drives me and gives the zeal to shatter the myths associated with aging", shares Nina.
While many of the youngsters lack the grace and zeal these elders have, senior citizens like Nina inspire youngsters to live every moment and cherish every second that goes by.
Aging doesn't hinder us from pursuing our passion. And, these senior citizens, who twinkle in spite of their wrinkles, are true examples of these inspiring lines by the famous Welsh Poet, Dylan Thomas ---"Do not go gentle into that good night, old age should burn and rave at close of day, rage, rage against the dying of the light".