Ten years ago when I attended her 90th birthday party, she told me "if all goes well, the next milestone should be 100"
clicked 10 years ago
All is well and she made it, but unfortunately it is a different world. There won't be a birthday party, nor can the near and dear ones come and wish her.
Before the lockdown, whenever I visited her, I could see her sitting at her table, painting a fabric or knitting.
The usual time when she sits at the dining table and paints is from 9 am to 1 pm.
Whenever any machine stitching has to be done she uses her grandson's room.
There are many well wishers who are waiting with sarees and fabric so that she will find some time to paint them. (there is some voluntary payment too done by the well wishers)
Two months ago this saree was picked up by a well wisher for Rs 11000/-
First she draws the outline
Then she fills it up with colours. Painting on tussar silk is not an easy task. Each saree takes about three months.
Imagine, being 100 and still earning, and in the bargain keeping yourself occupied both mentally and physically.
Padmavati (Padmam) is ninth in the line of ten siblings. You can have a glimpse of her family tree in this short video.
the family tree
standing, third from left
Having lost her husband at an early age, she brought up her five kids in a very disciplined way. She spend her early life in Kerala. After getting married, she moved to Bombay and later settled in Pune with her daughter.
In keeping up with the changing times, she is deft at sending e mails and receiving messages on WhatsApp.
Some of her work adorning her drawing room.
Some of her work adorning her drawing room.
Another activity that I enjoy at her place is having the Onam sadhya (lunch) with her every year.
Her daughter in law (Dr Geeta) writes "I am in awe of her. She radiates this calmness and peace to people around her. She has the unique ability of occupying herself and never getting bored. Exceptionally talented, she occupies herself by painting, knitting, writing, embroidery and thereby creating happiness and beauty all around her"
The mandatory cake cutting with just the immediate family
and the rest of the family participated through a zoom meet
Some of them were dressed up for the occasion and one wore the duppatta that was painted by Amma.
I have put a one minute video on the 100th B'day celebrations on FB.
Update on 23rd July 2020
Her daughter Lata saw her enjoying a Malayalam rap.
For those who want to make further enquiries regarding work done by her, the contact mail id is given below in the comments.
More of her work can be seen in the links given below.
and the rest of the family participated through a zoom meet
Some of them were dressed up for the occasion and one wore the duppatta that was painted by Amma.
I have put a one minute video on the 100th B'day celebrations on FB.
Update on 23rd July 2020
Her daughter Lata saw her enjoying a Malayalam rap.
For those who want to make further enquiries regarding work done by her, the contact mail id is given below in the comments.
More of her work can be seen in the links given below.
