I live a simple life and run a general store in Jaipur’s Tripolia Market—but it’s a life built on wisdom and patience. These were qualities people like me learnt quickly or we wouldn’t have survived the brutal and bloody era of Partition in 1947.

I was born in Dera Gazi Khan in Pakistan, where my father was a manufacturer of plastic and ivory bangles. I joined my father in the business but later branched out on my own. I ventured into the cotton trade, initially in partnership, and then relocated to Multan for better business opportunities in 1942. I started a cotton thread factory there.

Partition marked a massive and bloody upheaval for the Hindu community in Multan and we migrated en masse. Our family left Multan for good and arrived in Jodhpur, Rajasthan. I started my business in Delhi but suffered massive losses, so I shifted to Jaipur in 1954. Since then, I have been running my shop. Owing to modernisation and intense competition, my business is no longer very profitable. But I am 97 years old and I keep my shop running only to stay occupied. My son and two daughters are well settled, and none of them is interested in running the shop after my death.

I lead a comfortable and peaceful life owing to the grace of God and my soulmate Thalo Bai, who is 94. I am a true believer in the Almighty and follow a simple yet disciplined life. I wake up early and take a walk to Bees Dukan Temple, which is 1.5 km away from my home, and spend three hours there. Then, I take a cycle-rickshaw to my shop, which is around 4 km away, and reach there by 11 am. My wife and I are strict Jains. For proper digestion, I try to eat before sunset, so I return home by 5.30 pm and eat my dinner.

Today, I am horrified and very saddened at the deteriorating relationship between India and Pakistan. As I have lived in Pakistan and now live in India, I can say with confidence that the people of both countries are innocent and want to live a peaceful life. Political meddling and the vested interests of a few powerful people are making the situation complex. I would dearly love to see the spirit of brotherhood blossom between the two countries.

—Indra Bhan Jain, Jaipur

Photograph by Surendra Jain Paras
Featured in Harmony — Celebrate Age Magazine
December 2016