A Century Of Stories With Sundari Pai

Silver Talkies Social member Shakunthala Pai’s mother Sundari Pai is a beautiful 102. She has in her kitty a bottomless well of stories and life advice. We met her to listen in to a century of stories…

What’s the earliest memory of your childhood:

Growing up my friends were mostly my neighbours who were of the same age and went to the same school, all of us barefooted. Horse-drawn carriages were a luxury in those days.

A wow moment you remember:

The first time I saw the magic of electricity. After 25 years of growing up without electricity, I couldn’t believe that water could be pumped and could reach our homes through a pipe!

What was the fashion for young women in those days:

I started wearing a saree at when I was 11 years old and wore a saree even to school. I remember a saree used to cost about Rs.3 back then and for special occasions, we would wear a Kancheevaram saree which was about Rs.18. So yes, my fashion statement, if you would want to know, was being the Saree and Barefooted girl!

Horse-drawn carriages such as this one were a luxury when Sundari was young. Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

Was schooling rare for girls? How did yours come about? 

Yes, it was rare, but my father was the Inspector of schools, and that is why he wanted both his girls and boys to be educated. We were 8 siblings. Only I am alive now.

Did you have a favourite sport?

I was in an all girls school and loved playing basketball. In one of the games, I scored the highest number of baskets, and our team won. I got a tin of talcum powder as the prized gift for this game. Most of the girls from my school came to my house to see my present, and that was a moment of pride!

What is your earliest memory of a responsibility?

Taking care of my younger brothers when I was 14

Anything you wish to have done differently?

Absolutely not. I have no regrets, and I try to be positive at all times and situations. But my children complain that I keep worrying about everyone’s wellbeing and get stressed unnecessarily.

How did you celebrate your 100th birthday?

My 100th birthday was celebrated at my daughter’s house. 100 guests were invited. My entire family is musically inclined, so everybody played musical instruments, danced and sang for me. Oh, and a write up about my fun 100th was featured in one of the newspapers in Mangalore!

What are some of the most important lessons you have learnt throughout your life?

Live and let live. Be friendly with your neighbours and help people around you as much as you can.

What could you buy with a Rupee when you were young?

I remember being able to buy a basket full of vegetables for 1 rupee

Did you meet your husband before you got married?

No. The first time I saw my husband was at on the day of our wedding while we exchanged garlands.

How do you keep your memory so sharp even now? Tell us the secret.

Every day I repeat all nursery rhymes and songs that I know until I fall asleep.

A life-event that made you feel blessed:

Gandhiji came to my school, the Annie Besant School, Mangalore. We were made to stand in a row, and he passed by where my friends and I were standing. I was lucky to touch his feet and take his blessings.

Any advice for our current generation:

Don’t be glued to your gadgets. Spend time with your family. Don’t eat all the unhealthy food outside. It seems so tough to lead a simple life these days!