Shubhro, 61
Passionate, empathetic, happy
“ COVID complicated plans slightly but also highlighted that good health is necessary for happiness…….. Prioritize your health early and ensure you do everything you can to protect and maintain it.”
✨ Twinsight: After experiencing a tragic loss, Shubhro focused on finding ways to ‘master his mind’ rather than allow his emotions to control his thoughts and actions. This became a powerful tool and a mentality that has proven invaluable throughout his life. Today, Shubhro prioritizes activities that are meaningful to him, and believes strongly that when you find ways to help others, it feeds your own happiness. Shubhro’s story is not only inspiring but also provides a glimpse into the East Indian culture. And now we want to learn more because we believe there is so much we can learn about happiness and aging from others around the world.
In 2002, we lost our young daughter in a freak accident when a tree broke in half and fell on her. It set our family on a path of emotional ups and downs which I eventually learned to cope with by training myself to control my thoughts. This forced skill became a powerful tool that has helped me ever since.
Originally from India, our family spent 14 years in Hong Kong but my wife and I have since returned to New Delhi. Our son Ishan is based out of Hong Kong for work and remains there.
Five years ago, a sudden job loss due to corporate restructuring left me panicked and worried about my future as a Human Resources (HR) professional. It also caused me to step back and really think about what I wanted. I realized that what would make me happiest was having the flexibility to do what I wanted, when I wanted. My priorities included caring for my ailing Mother; working in a consulting capacity on projects that I could select based on what was important to me; travelling; and continuing my Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) work related to child education and well-being.
I reviewed our family’s priorities and financial commitments, and realized that I could live life on my terms and enjoy whatever was next. COVID complicated plans slightly but also highlighted that good health is necessary for happiness. My advice to others? Prioritize your health early and ensure you do everything you can to protect and maintain it.
How old are you and how are you feeling about that?
A: Although I am almost 62, I feel like I am in my 30’s. Reality hits when I am playing sports and my mind says I will get to the ball on time but my body has other plans.
Three words that describe you.
A: Passionate, Empathetic, and Happy
What’s the one life lesson that you wish you had figured out earlier?
A: Happiness is the ultimate goal and is dependent on good health.
Proudest accomplishment?
A: I have spent some time supporting efforts to provide children with basic education and health-related aid. I prefer to do this work quietly because I want the focus to remain on the children but will say that the response and love I receive from them and their families, motivates me to continue these efforts. Even the seemingly smallest action evokes such happiness from them and is so rewarding. Too often people think that they are just one person and doubt the difference they can make; however, it’s those individual contributions that are collectively necessary to make the biggest difference.
What’s the worst part about aging and what’s the best?
A: The most difficult part of aging is that my mind feels young but my physical body is clearly getting older. However, as I have gotten older, I have gained some amazing experiences and learned invaluable lessons. If I can help young people learn those life lessons at an even younger age, then that would be amazing.
Various photos of Shubhro with his family; wife Moushumi; son, Ishan; his cousin & niece, parents and his mother and his young daughter, who he shares “has joined the Gods up there”.
Have you experienced ageism?
A: In India, younger people refer to the elderly in a familial way as Uncles and Aunties. I am often called ‘Uncle’ but I enjoy that. It is a form of respect and signifies the familiarity that is common within extended families. In India, most young people refer to anyone older such as their parents’ friends as Uncles and Aunties, even if there is not an actual blood relation.
Editor’s note: We hope to further explore cultural differences in aging and related perceptions. Here is an article highlighting some differences in aging perceptions around the world, noting, “Western cultures have traditionally been labeled as ageist societies that undervalue their older adult populations. Eastern cultures are recognized for their more accepting view of older adults, placing them on a pedestal of wisdom and respect.”
What’s your message to the world?
A: Find ways to make others happy because that will feed your own happiness.
Favorite band, book or artist?
A: The book, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
What sparks your joy these days?
A: I try to find joy in everything: the food I eat, the water I drink, the pleasure in seeing others laugh and happy when they least expect it. For example, my rickshaw driver today charged me a fare that was insufficient to offset the cost of repairs that his rickshaw clearly needed. Like so many others, operating his rickshaw business was probably his livelihood and primary source of income. I knew that although not expected, if I gave him a little bit extra, this small gesture would be meaningful for him. It is not difficult to make a small positive difference in the lives of others.
What’s next for you? What does your future self look like?
A: I try to live in each moment and not think too far ahead.
Are there traditions in your culture related to aging that you would like to share?
A: In India, people retire from active work around age 60, and are considered ‘Senior Citizens’. They are not expected to have the same abilities as younger people, but that thinking is changing. Age is becoming just a number. Most people are surprised by my age and think I am a lot younger than my chronological age.
Do you feel visible?
A: This is an interesting question because as an HR professional, I have spent a career supporting others and helping them succeed. I enjoyed remaining in the background and not being the focus; however, my work and personality always kept me visible to others.
Are there things you are doing now that you couldn’t do before?
A: I have always found a way to do what I enjoy such as reading, travelling, playing sports, hiking, helping others, and my NGO work with children. I love being able to spend even more time doing those things now.
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Contributing writer and editor: Bhavisha Morphet. You can connect with her on LinkedIn