Inspiring lives through Laughter and Motivation at 74

An inspiring story of Neelam Wadhera (Khyaal Community Member)

“My name is Neelam Wadhera, and I am 74 years old, from Delhi. I completed post-graduation in Hindi in 1973. After completing my education, I joined Indian Bank in Delhi as a clerk. I took voluntary retirement in December 2000 when I was 50 years old.

After retirement, I wanted to stay active and make a difference. I began helping students at the All India Confederation of the Blind in Rohini by recording books, assisting with assignments, and preparing them for debates. A proud moment was when a student won first prize in a debate with my help. The joy of making a difference in their lives motivated me to continue this work for nearly two years.
In 2002, I was introduced to laughter yoga by chance. While taking a morning walk in a park, I noticed a small group of people laughing wholeheartedly. At first, I was surprised because, during my banking career, I was so focused on work that laughter had become rare for me. I became curious about this practice and decided to join them. Once I started, I never looked back. Since 2002, I have been an active member of the Laughter Club. As a result of my dedication to laughter yoga, I became a certified Laughter Leader and Ambassador under Laughter Yoga International. What started with just five members has now grown to over 400 members in Rohini alone.
Laughter yoga is not just about entertainment; it is a powerful health therapy. Before joining, I suffered from acute migraines and low immunity, which required me to take multiple medicines every month. However, within 4-5 months of practicing laughter yoga, my migraine disappeared, and my immunity strengthened.

Over the years, I have had the opportunity to spread laughter therapy in various places like hospitals, residential complexes, NGOs including Tihar Jail, Rohini Jail, and even courts for judges. These sessions help individuals manage stress, especially those who have faced difficult circumstances.

One of the key aspects of our laughter yoga sessions is accessibility. There is no fee to join the sessions. Anyone interested can simply come, participate in the activities, and leave without any financial commitment. We have formed a close-knit group within our club, which serves as an extended family. Since my children live abroad, this group provides emotional support and companionship. We celebrate festivals together, organize tours and conduct social gatherings. If any of our club members are unwell, we prepare food for them and offer help in whatever way possible.
Another initiative I started is the ‘Delhi Explore’ group, where we visit different historical and cultural sites within Delhi. This allows us to rediscover the beauty of our city while bonding with friends.

My passion for spreading positivity led me to start a YouTube channel. The idea struck me one night at around 2.30 am, while I was asleep. I woke up suddenly with a realization—why not start my own YouTube channel to share valuable content with people? I was inspired by other YouTube channels and wanted to create content that would genuinely benefit viewers. I consulted a friend who was already experienced in YouTube content creation, and with her guidance, I took my first step.
The purpose of my YouTube channel is to motivate people. I wanted to use my platform to encourage people to find joy in their lives. My videos aim to inspire, uplift, and bring smiles to people's faces. Each video includes a motivational message, a punchline, and words of encouragement. I also incorporate relevant examples to make the content relatable and impactful.

I uploaded my first video in May 2024, and since then, I have been consistently releasing a new video every month. My husband helps with the recording using my phone, and my son, who lives in the USA, assists with editing and uploading the content. While I do not rely on a script, I take time to research my topics, write down key points, and memorize them before recording. I have 453 subscribers on my channel. I aim to reach more and more people with one video at a time.
Apart from my social activities, I love to play Tambola with Khyaal. While I may not be able to participate in all events, I make an effort to stay connected with the community.
To fellow senior citizens, my advice is simple: Life is meant to be enjoyed. Try to make the most of every moment and be happy.” - Neelam Wadhera (Khyaal Community Member)