Scaling new heights at the age of 60

An inspiring story of Professor Dr. Anuradha J. Bakshi (Khyaal Community Member)

“I am Professor Dr. Anuradha J. Bakshi, and I am 60 years old. Since my father had a transferable job, I spent my childhood in various cities including Delhi, Patna, Dehradun, and Baroda. I completed my M.Sc. in Home Science with a specialization in Child Development at the Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda. After working for a year as a teacher and researcher, I pursued my Ph.D. in Human Ecology at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA. Upon returning to India in 1993, in due course, I joined Nirmala Niketan College of Home Science, where I eventually became the In-Charge Principal and a Full Professor. In my career, I have also been one of the two chief editors of the British Journal of Guidance and Counselling, a Routledge, Taylor and Francis journal, for several years. Even after retiring from the university late last year, I continue to mentor Ph.D. students as a guide for the University of Mumbai, and teach at St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, among other activities.

An integral part of my life has been my love for trekking. Since I have had a very hectic work life, earlier I always opted for one day treks on weekends and holidays. My trekking journey began in the USA, where I frequently explored the Great Smoky Mountains in Tennessee. In Mumbai, my trekking experiences continued through various student activities and with organizations like the Bombay Natural History Society. I explored many forts in Maharashtra with various trekking groups. In fact, I must say that one of the reasons I thoroughly enjoyed the Khyaal trip to Vietnam at the end of May, was because the trip joyfully allowed me to be active. I got a chance to swim in Ha Long Bay!

My most recent and memorable trek was the Nikora Pass trek in Himachal Pradesh in May 2024, an 11-day adventure trip with five days of high-altitude trekking covering 36 km, from 8000 feet to 12,500 feet. The acclimatisation trek was from Bharmour village to Brahmani Mata temple. Next, we trekked from Lower Kugti Village to Kartik Swami Temple, Brahmour.  The following day, we descended one mountain and ascended another to reach our tented campsite at a height of 11,000 feet. After a day of snow and rain, finally, we ascended a snow-capped summit at a little over 12,500 feet in the Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary (Nikora Pass). The trekking part of the trip was concluded by our descent from the summit and later from our Kugti Wildlife Sanctuary campsite to Lower Kugti village. Trekking in the Bharmour/Kugti area was a challenging yet rewarding adventure that pushed my limits. The varied paths we took, from walking trails to goat trails, or forging our own path (led by our qualified local team leader), through apple orchards, breathtaking mountain vistas, ice and snow, made the journey enthralling. We encountered shepherds and their flocks of sheep and goats, their prancing sheepdogs, and other wildlife along the way. Although it was a strenuous and tricky climb, the support of our teams and the beautiful scenery, made it an unforgettable Himalayan adventure.

Trekking is more than just a physical activity, it is a complete experience. It is about enjoying nature, staying fit, and bonding with fellow trekkers. Overcoming challenges and being in the serene beauty of the outdoors gives me immense joy. These adventures have taught me to live in the moment and appreciate the little or big wonders around us, like tiny plants and majestic landscapes. It has shown me that we can overcome our fears and achieve more than we think. Staying physically active has always been important to me. From playing outdoors as a child to enjoying sports like swimming, badminton, and running, being active has always been a part of my life. Even as a college Principal, I made sure to walk 5 km daily. I have also been part of a gym for several years.

My journey until now has shaped who I am today—active, curious, and always learning. My advice for fellow seniors: “Don’t get hung up about age, be active”. Your chronological age is not who you are, do not let age define and limit you. It is our choices and actions that define our experiences and vitality. Stay active, take care of your body, and keep exploring life. Every moment offers a chance to grow and change.” - Professor Dr. Anuradha J. Bakshi (Khyaal Community Member)