by Does age define what you can do in life? It could be a life skill or a new hobby that could turn your life much more colorful or even something that is very important. Meet Joya Dasgupta who has surpassed the age of 70 and has learnt driving a car at the age of 65. She shares with Mums and Stories her inclination to be independent and how she managed to overcome a few fears.
“I was born in East Bengal (now Bangladesh). My childhood was spent there. During my college days I moved to Kolkata (as just before the partition of Bengal the situation in East Bengal was uncertain) and did my graduation while staying in a hostel. I continued to stay in India. After my graduation I moved to Agartala. Soon I got married and was blessed with three beautiful children. I spent most of my life in Agartala and then moved to permanently settle in Bangalore in 2010 as two of my children had settled down here.
I was always a lady who had an independent mindset. In a small city like Agartala moving around and getting things done without a vehicle is easy. But in Bangalore it wasn’t so easy, each time I had to depend on someone to step out to run errands. Then I decided to learn how to drive. I had a problem with local language so I went to Agartala and learnt driving from an instructor who knew my mother tongue. Then I got back to Bangalore with a license and got a driver and practiced with him for 4 days. From then on I have been driving around to run all my errands, visit people, drop my husband to places , visit doctors independently.
At present I am 71 years and I learnt driving at the age of 65. Before that I hadn’t even driven a two wheeler.”
Talking about how supportive her family has been, Joya shares, “ My family was extremely supportive. All of them were very happy and whole heartedly encouraged me. No one for once thought my age would be a hindrance. In fact my elder son bought me the car too. They are happy and proud that I learnt to drive at this age. I didn’t find it so hard. I enjoyed learning how to drive and it didn’t take me long to learn too. I took a totally a week maybe. Now I feel liberated to be able to take out the car and move around at my convenience, without depending on other people to take me around.
Age is just a number. If there is a will and strong desire we can learn anything we decide to irrespective of the age.”
