Age cannot stale nor dull

 Age cannot stale nor dull. Yes, this title of our blog may remind you of Shakespeare's famous description of Cleopatra on that resplendent barge. Well, the lady I am going to talk about is no queen for sure. In my opinion, however, she is an empress. 

Okay, let me explain what I mean. Before I attempt that,however, let us talk of ageism. Yes, ageism is rampant in the world today, especially in India with its demographic dividend. Ageism takes two forms. Gen Z, for example, would like to earn enough as soon as is possible, and then retire from work.

 A corollary of this axiom is the other version of ageism. It consists of constantly mocking older people about their age. At times, it is attempted with a veneer of concern, but the malicious intent cannot hide itself. It hardly matters that most young are no good in any way at all.

That, however, is not our concern right now. Today we are going to meet a lady who is living proof that age is mere number. Yes, we are talking of Prof. Shantamma. For four days a week, she teaches medical physics, radiology and anesthesia. Her house is some sixty kilometers away which means, up and down, she travels hundred and twenty kilometres  per day .

What is so great about it? Many attempt it in metros. Is that your foregone conclusion? Okay, be ready to hold your breath. She is just ninety-seven years old. Two years ago, she entered the Guinness Book of Records for such an achievement. 

Both her knees are replaced. She walks with the help of calipers. Nothing can stop this lady who completed her Ph. D. In 1947. Apparently, she was the first to win that honour, too. Her students like her as well because she is a living fount of inspiration. Some proof she is that age is just a number, most often, in the mindsets of others!

Pratima@What is age? A way of thinking! What is age? A way of defying! Well, we began with a take-off on Shakespeare. So let us thus end with another!