Vayah Vikas proudly recognizes Padma Srinivasan, an inspiring individual whose life exemplifies resilience, passion, and lifelong learning. At 83, she continues to make an impact in education, alternative healing, and creative pursuits. A double postgraduate in Geography and Education from Nagpur University, she skillfully balanced academics with raising four children.
Her career includes 13 years as a geography teacher and five years as headmistress at Srivani Education Center, Bangalore. For the past 25 years, she has trained over 1,000 individuals in Sujok and Reiki. Additionally, she holds a Guinness World Record in crochet, is a passionate singer, an avid traveler, and an active community member. Embodying the philosophy "Never Stop Growing," she proves that age is no barrier to learning, creativity, and giving back.
Academic Aspirations and Challenges
Married at 17, Padma had initially completed only matriculation but longed to continue her education. Her husband's scientific career led to frequent relocations, making it difficult to pursue studies. However, with his encouragement, she resumed her education after a decade of family life, overcoming societal opposition.
At 30, she enrolled at Lady Amritbhai Daga’s Ladies College, determined to study alongside younger students. Balancing family responsibilities with education was challenging—managing four children without modern conveniences required perseverance, patience, and self-motivation. Her husband’s only condition was that her studies should not disrupt family life—a challenge she met with dedication. Over eight years, she completed her degrees and later pursued a Master of Education while working as a teacher.
A Fulfilling Teaching Career
Padma’s teaching career began at Saraswati Vidyalaya in Nagpur, where she taught students from diverse backgrounds, including future political leaders. After her husband’s retirement, they relocated to Bangalore, marking the end of her teaching tenure in Nagpur.
In Bangalore, she worked at Vani School as the primary school in-charge for five years before stepping down due to her husband's declining health.
A New Path: Alternative Therapy and Healing
Padma’s journey into alternative therapy was unplanned. Suffering from arthritis, she sought medical help but found relief through alternative healing methods. Initially skeptical, even her scientist husband doubted its effectiveness. However, her remarkable recovery convinced them otherwise.
Encouraged by her healer, she learned the practice and has been a self-healer since 1995. She later expanded into Sujok therapy, a Korean drugless treatment, and has been offering her services for free ever since.
In 2024, she obtained a Diploma in Traditional Chinese Medicine to maintain her well-being and continue helping others.
Record-Breaking Achievements in Crochet
Beyond healing, Padma is an avid crochet artist and has contributed significantly to Guinness World Record attempts. Since 2015, she has participated in record-breaking crochet projects, including the world’s largest crochet blanket.
In 2025, she will take part in her sixth Guinness attempt, contributing to a project that aims to create 100,000 granny squares. The wool from these projects is repurposed into caps, cardigans, and blankets donated to soldiers.
She actively supports charity initiatives, having made 600 crochet squares for Indian soldiers. She collaborates with the MITU Foundation, which recycles wool into baby sets for hospitals and rural communities.
A Life of Independence and Social Engagement
Despite living alone, Padma remains actively engaged through crochet, alternative therapy, and social initiatives. After spending five years in a senior citizen home, she now resides in a rented flat but is considering moving to a senior living facility for better support.
She strongly believes in independence and emphasizes that seniors should not become a burden on their children. Her advice to all generations is to keep their minds engaged to prevent cognitive decline. As a healer, she understands that mental inactivity can lead to dementia.
She encourages people to reconnect with their youthful passions and stay socially connected. For her, life is about continuous learning, contributing to society, and embracing change with gratitude and positivity.
Padma Srinivasan’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and lifelong learning. From overcoming societal barriers to pursuing higher education, shaping young minds as a teacher, embracing alternative healing, and contributing to world records in crochet, she has redefined what it means to age gracefully. Her unwavering commitment to self-growth, independence, and social contribution embodies the very essence of "Never Stop Growing." As she continues to inspire those around her, Padma proves that age is not a limitation but an opportunity to learn, create, and give back to society. Her story serves as a beacon of motivation, encouraging everyone—young and old—to embrace change, stay engaged, and live with purpose and positivity. Vayah Vikas applauds Padma Srinivasan.