Discovering Purpose in New Beginnings at 59

An inspiring story of Lathika Radhakrishnan Nair (Khyaal Community Member)

”I am Lathika Radhakrishnan Nair, 59 years old. I was born in Changanassery and lived there till my 10th standard. After that, I moved to Thiruvananthapuram for my higher education. Even as a young girl, I was active in school and college festivals. Whether it was Kadhaprasangam, Monoact, Dance, Craft-making, Mimicry, or even Clay modelling, I enjoyed expressing myself in every way possible. I also proudly served in the National Cadet Corps during college and had the honour of representing the Kerala contingent at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi in 1985. This is a memory I still hold close to my heart.

In 1993, I joined Air India’s Security Department and worked there for 32 years across different parts of India. It was a remarkable journey filled with discipline, responsibility, and pride. One of the most memorable moments of my career was when I was selected as a security official during President Ramnath Kovind’s visit to Iceland in 2019. Later, in 2022, I was promoted as the Station Security Head at Trivandrum. During my time at TIAL (Thiruvananthapuram Airport India Limited), I was honoured to receive the titles of ‘Star of TIAL’ and ‘Pride of TIAL’- recognitions that meant a lot to me.

I retired in March 2024 at the age of 58. After retirement, I suddenly found myself unsure of what to do next. For someone who was used to a busy work schedule, this sudden free time left me feeling a bit lost. I did not know how to fill my days. That is when I found Khyaal and things slowly began to change. Joining Khyaal brought a big shift in my life. It encouraged me to go back to the things I once loved and slowly brought back the joy I had missed for a long time.

My mornings begin with Khyaal’s yoga session at 8 am. It helps me feel relaxed and fresh as I start my day. I try to join as many sessions as I can. I especially enjoy the Antakshari and Sudoku sessions. These small activities keep me happy and active. Games like Tambola also give me a sense of hope - something to look forward to each day. What made it even more special was that, after 35 long years, I found the courage to start singing again. I participated in Khyaal contests, performed in sessions, and even won prizes. Slowly, I began to explore more. I joined the Khyaal Writers’ Group and, for the very first time, one of my poems got published in a book! That moment brought me a lot of happiness and pride.

Now, I enjoy doing many things that make me feel alive. Even after undergoing spinal disc surgery, I did not let fear stop me. I learned to drive a car after my surgery. In 2019, I joined a women’s trekking group and completed a trek to Agasthyarkoodam. I also enjoy turning waste into beautiful and useful items, and I find great peace while working in my vegetable garden. There is something truly special about growing and caring for plants with your own hands.

Khyaal has now become a big part of my daily life. It keeps me connected, happy, and full of energy. The sessions are fun, engaging, and always give me something to look forward to. It is nice to be a part of a lovely family where we all learn, laugh, and grow together.

Looking back, I feel that every small step I took after retirement helped me understand myself better. Life may have taken a new turn, but it has not slowed down. In many ways, it feels even more meaningful now.

One advice I would like to give my fellow seniors: This phase of life is just as precious as any other. Please be kind to yourself and keep your heart open to new beginnings.” - Lathika Radhakrishnan Nair (Khyaal Community Member)