Better late than never!

Most people at the age of 70 worry about their achy bones and wrinkled skin, but a few extraordinary people, like Srimathi, live their dreams and follow their passions. City-based 73-year-old Srimathi P Shah is setting a perfect example for today’s generation, on how it is never too late to follow your dreams. She makes beautiful handmade home decorative pieces out of ‘kundans’ and ‘mothis’.

Her work attracts people from around the world and keeps her busy. In the wedding season, she spends the entire day working on the items, and long into the nights looking for creative ideas. “My items are completely out of the box, so my customers don’t vanish once they check out my work,” comments Srimathi on how she does not lose customers.

Recalling how she began the business, she says, “There was a time when my family needed money, and I was thinking about how to help my family. One of my friends then suggested I start this work of handmade decorative materials. I was good with making since the age of nine. I figured it was the best way to earn an extra penny to help my family.”

“My husband was a great support, and never wanted me give up on what I liked doing, even after marriage. It was a boost to my interest,” she adds. Even though she had stopped making things long back, she did not want her creative skills to die. She decided to gather all materials, and re-started her work seven years ago. She had had a heart attack a few years back, but it did not deter her from doing what she loved. The day after she was discharged from the hospital, she resumed her work. She hates sitting idle and aims to keep herself busy always.

She is also an active social worker, “I hardly spend money for myself and at this age. I don’t think I should save and stock it up at banks. So I donate it and serve the needy. When I don’t feel like working at home I go and serve the people at orphanages,” she says.

Included in the list of basic decorative items that she makes are plates, candles, envelops, door hangings, wall hangings, dining table mats and covers, bangles and much more. The price range depends on and changes with every design and item, but the basic range of items begins from Rs 10 and it goes until Rs 7,500.

“Women should never give up on their dreams and wishes. They must learn to prioritize things and live for themselves too. One must never kill their interest. Everyone is great with something or the other; you just need to identify what you are good at, and work on it regardless of age being a barrier.” she suggests.

By Bhagyashree Kottoori