I have always wished to thrive, not just survive, in this life. And at 73 years of age, I can proudly say that I have lived every day staying true to myself.

After my three children left the nest, I had the time to immerse myself in the life I had dreamt of. From aerobics to dance, swimming and running, I did everything in the name of fitness. Marathons became my go-to events and I have participated in over 100 marathons to date. Owing to my constant engagement with Pinkathon over the years, and their effort to promote a healthy lifestyle for women and their breast cancer initiatives, I have become their brand ambassador.

It is absolutely wonderful that I can combine my love for fitness with my passion for charitable work. Staying at home is not an option. Running the Mumbai Marathon since its inception in 2004 is another feather in my cap. On 8 June, Oceans Day, I completed a 3-km run; on 5 June, World Environment Day, I participated in the Versova Beach clean-up drive.

My passion for fitness has also blessed me with an enormous reservoir of energy that I spend on various causes. Asha Kiran Charitable Trust is one of the organisations I have been associated with for 20 years. Initially, I taught underprivileged children during two sessions a day but now I take care of their extracurricular activities. The flag hoisting ceremonies on 15 August and 26 January are solely conducted by me. I also work with Rajani Foundation, which works with underprivileged children, and Make A Difference Foundation, with whom I painted the walls of Jogeshwari station, part of the Hamara Station Hamari Shaan initiative.

My trysts with organisations like these have not only helped me take my passion to new heights but earned me the moniker of ‘Aunty 72’ last year! With all the love and affection my friends and fans have showered on me, I hope to continue doing my bit for society and its people while staying actively fit.

—Primla Hingorani, aka ‘Aunty 72’, Mumbai

Photo courtesy: Primla Hingorani
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
July 2018