Embracing New Passions at 70: A Life of Curiosity and Joy

An inspiring story of Haridas P. (Khyaal Community Member)

“I am Haridas P. and my age is 70 years. I was born in Kozhikode. I am a tenth-grade graduate. At the age of sixteen I spent my time frequenting libraries, devouring countless Malayalam novels and short stories by renowned authors. I began my career as a typist and later worked at a prominent bookstore in Kozhikode, where my love for reading, music, and learning grew. Surrounded by creative minds, I spent 25 years there before moving on to roles in office management and later as a consultant.

I have always had a deep interest in photography. From my younger days, I dreamed of becoming a professional photographer. However, back then, I did not have the resources to pursue my ambition. Life took a different turn, and I had to focus on building a career. As a result, photography remained just a dream for many years.

I retired in 2017 and bought my first smartphone with a good camera. That marked the beginning of my journey into mobile photography. At first, I started taking pictures of simple things around me like plants, flowers, and everyday objects. My grandchildren became my favourite subjects, and I captured their playful moments. Gradually, I expanded my focus to buildings and landscapes. Over time, I refined my skills and upgraded my phone each year to one with better camera features. Before, I had little understanding of advanced photography techniques. My experience was limited to basic cameras. However, with my smartphone, I started experimenting with angles, lighting, and composition. I also began using editing to enhance my photos. These tools helped me improve my skills and develop a better understanding of photography. My interest lies not in taking random portraits but in capturing images that tell a story and convey my emotions.

As I gained more confidence, I joined several national and international photography groups on Facebook. Currently, I am a member of twelve such groups. Every day, I post at least one photo in these groups, and I have received a lot of appreciation from fellow members. The appreciation and encouragement I have received from fellow photographers have motivated me to improve further.

With my children away at work, it is just me and my youngest grandchild at home. But now, I have two companions to keep me engaged – my grandchild and Khyaal.

In the past, my writing was limited to office correspondence. I never attempted story writing, poetry, or articles. Khyaal played a significant role in reigniting my passion for writing. I mainly began to write for their daily writing group tasks. Though I struggle with spelling and grammar, I rely on Google Docs for corrections and often search for the right words online.

I eagerly participate in the various contests run by them. Recently, my poem secured the first prize in one of the contests. Khyaal has brought immense joy and purpose to my life through engaging activities like Tambola, Bingo, music groups, and creative contests, helping me stay active and connected.

Though I may not have had the opportunity to become a professional photographer, I continue to capture and share the beauty of the world through my mobile camera. Similarly, my love for writing keeps me engaged and fulfilled. I hope to continue both these passions for as long as I can, finding joy in every click and every word I write.

One advice for fellow seniors is: Keep learning, stay curious, and enjoy every moment. It is never too late to discover new passions.” - Haridas P. (Khyaal Community Member)