Retirement truly is a milestone. It signifies the end of a chapter; a routine you were accustomed to all your life. It also signals the emergence of the younger workforce, gently reminding you of the changing times and the need to embrace a quieter, hustle-free life. 

However, retirements can also engulf you in a sense of loneliness, you may feel unheard of or go unnoticed. The traditional landscape of large joint families, once a common feature, has evolved. With working children often focused on their own families and grandchildren building their own futures, the dynamics have shifted. 

Here is the sliver of hope though. With the increasing popularity of senior living communities, loneliness and unrealised dreams are slowly becoming a thing of the past for the retired. And Manasum Senior Living is the flagbearer of this new movement – a movement where retired seniors not only live life independently but thrive in a community that helps them realise their dreams and passions too. 

In this blog, we cast the spotlight on two Manasum residents – Parimala Rao and Arundhathy, two terrific women who not only braved many storms but also showed us with enough determination and a supportive community, you truly can change your life, even if you are from another lifetime. 

Parimala Rao: Rich literary experience rejuvenated by a community!

For 30 years, Parimala Rao had led a quiet and fulfilling life as a teacher at the beautiful campus of IIT Madras. She woke up to mornings that were wrapped in the tranquillity of nature and took her strolls amidst the Deer Sanctuary. During her time as a professor – a job that brought her great satisfaction – she also enriched her experience by taking part in radio and television programmes. 

Beyond her fulfilling career, Parimala’s family has always been a source of immense joy. Her children, all craving a stellar career for themselves, have moved abroad. And her grandkids – one a doctor, one pursuing her MS, and a grandson currently studying in New York University – are making the family and her proud. 

Indeed, her family, her husband, and a flourishing literary and artistic journey, had been the apples of her eyes. 

The inevitable shift; the need for new connections!

However, like all good things, her life at IIT Madras also came to an end as Parimala prepared to embrace a life of retirement. She says, “after moving to Bangalore, I felt a sense of isolation. Even though I attended Kavi Sammelan gathering once a week, it wasn’t the same, and I dearly missed the sense of connection and community I once experienced at IIT Madras. This is when my husband and I decided to move to Manasum Senior Living, a place that has truly transformed our lives”, she reflected.  

Rediscovering Her Literary Voice at Manasum!

The supportive and peaceful environment offered by Manasum, and the unwavering support rendered by co-founders Anantharam Varayur and Sumathy, and fellow residents, gave Parimala the time, energy, inspiration, and the encouragement to return to writing and publish her books once again. “At Manasum community I had the opportunity to publish four of my books, and to commemorate this achievement, a grand celebration was organised by the Manasum team. It was truly a joyous occasion”, she enthused. 

The enriching environment of Manasum, particularly its well-stocked library, became a catalyst for her renewed passion. Speaking about the library, Parimala added, “The library here at Manasum is simply outstanding. The rich collection of books, the calm and green ambience are creatively stimulating. In this very surrounding, I’ve composed and sung many songs on nature and birthdays. While, I’ve even written the lyrics and made videos to go along with them. The temple and the greenery surrounding it are especially dear to me, and I often sit there in quiet meditation, soaking in the poetic atmosphere.” 

The many recognitions and honours!

For an artist, there is nothing more invaluable and rewarding than receiving appreciation for your work, and at Manasum, Parimala’s work was honoured and celebrated. Appreciation poured in for her work not just from Manasum founders and residents, but from renowned artists as well. 

Shedding light on that, Parimala said, “I’ve been fortunate to receive recognition for my literary work, especially for my Haiku poetry from renowned Kannada poet Dodda Range Gowda. He has admired my Haikus and has written extensively about me and my work in newspapers. I feel honored by his appreciation. Another most memorable highlights of my artistic life was my art exhibition held at Ravindra Kalakshetra and the Indian Institute of World Culture in Bangalore. This exhibition was inaugurated by the late Dr. Sreenivasa Varma, a renowned international artist and my close artistic brother. His presence and support made the event deeply meaningful and unforgettable.” 

Additionally, Parimala also had the privilege of being in the literary circle of many Kannada literary artists and poets such as A. K. Ramanujan, Anusuya Devi, K. S. Narasimha Swamy, Srinivasa Markandapuram, S. S. Shashi Marulayya, K. S. Nissar Ahmed, Rachandra Thyagali, and L. Seshagiri Rao. Their contributions to Kannada literature have been immense and invaluable. 

With the help, support, and encouragement of the co-founders of Manasum Senior Living, Parimala’s book exhibition – The Romance of Brush and Pen – was held there. The co-founders proposed hosting the event to help her reignite her literary career. Over the years, Parimala Rao has managed to publish over 40 books, in both English and Kannada, covering a wide range of themes such as Haiku, Zen stories, nature, and children’s literature. 

Her notable titles 

English Publications 

Birth Hope  

Blurb by Dr. Randy Brooks, Regional Coordinator, Haiku Society of America.  

Seasons’ Heartbeat 

A collection of Haiku on the seasons of England.  

Preface by Prof. Kajuyoshi Ikeda, Professor Emeritus, Osaka University.  

Braided Heartstrings (Volumes 1 & 2)  

A unique mother-daughter perspective through Haiku poetry. 

Kannada Publications 

Zen Stories (Volumes 1 & 2)  

A collection of philosophical and thought-provoking tales.  

Children’s Stories Engaging stories focused on birds, animals, and nature, written for young readers. 

Hrudaya Spandana  

Poems capturing the heartbeat of emotions and life.  

Rutu Gana  

A Kannada Haiku collection centered on the changing seasons.  

Minugu Deepa  

Poems that shine with introspection and quiet strength.  

Aleya Alaapa  

Haiku in Kannada reflecting transient moments and subtle beauty.  

Swarna Sampige 

 A poetic tribute to golden memories and fragrant reflections.  

Olve Vismaya  

A collection of short stories, offering slices of life, emotion, and wonder. 

Arundhathy: Finding Family and Flourishing Passions in a Supportive Embrace

For Arundhathy, a native of Kerala, community is more than just an idea; it’s deeply ingrained in her being. Growing up in a joint family of eighteen in Kolazhy, near Thrissur, she inherently understood the strength and comfort found in shared living. “That joint family experience taught me the importance of community living,” she reflects, “and has made it easy for me to connect with people—something I truly enjoy.” 

After an arranged marriage and raising her two sons, life brought Arundhathy an unexpected personal challenge. “My husband was battling cancer, and I couldn’t focus much on anything as I was his sole caregiver,” she said, reflecting on her struggles. 

However, after moving to Avighna by Manasum Senior Living three and a half years ago, Arundhathy’s life changed for the better. The robust infrastructure, comprehensive services, and nurturing environment of Manasum eventually allowed her to pursue her passion. Though she moved to Manasum in October 2021 on a three-month trial period, she immediately fell in love with the community. “We loved everything about Manasum Senior Living – the facilities, the ambiance, and the community life. At our core, my husband and I felt Manasum Avighna was the best retirement home for us. So, without any hesitation, we bought a house here in just a month and decided to make Avighna our home,” she said, reminiscing about her initial days with Manasum Senior Living. 

One of the avenues through which Arundhathy has rediscovered herself is through spiritual practices. “I meditate every day, and I especially observe the Full Moon Meditation,” she shares, emphasizing the personal growth she has experienced. “So far, I’ve conducted half a dozen guided meditation sessions as part of the Study Circle. These experiences have helped me grow from within”, she added. 

Beyond personal growth, Manasum’s sense of belonging truly resonates with Arundhathy. “The residents here are like family: supportive, warm, and encouraging,” she says with genuine warmth. “We live like one big joint family again, just like my childhood – and that fills my heart with happiness.” This feeling of familial connection underscores the unique atmosphere fostered at Manasum Senior Living. 

The positive impact of this community extends to various aspects of her life. “I am able to improve my spiritual, emotional, mental and social life here in Manasum,” she affirms. Her overall contentment is palpable in her enthusiastic words: “Really enjoying life in Manasum. Super, super, super living in Manasum Avighna!” This joy is intertwined with deep gratitude for the leadership at Manasum. “I am deeply grateful to Sumathy and Anantharam, whose leadership and care offer us countless opportunities to explore our talents and stay engaged.” 

Conclusion:

The inspiring journeys of Parimala Rao and Arundhathy at Manasum Senior Living showcase the profound impact of community in retirement. Finding not just residence but a place for renewed passions and genuine connection, both women exemplify how a supportive environment can make every stage of life fulfilling and joyful, proving that true belonging can blossom at any age.