You've started working towards your dream again, so we've found some real life inspirations for you.
Housewives-turned-mountaineers, textile whiz-turned-hoteliers and many more - each of whose life stories have proven that it's never too late to get started on your dreams.
GR Gopinath
Aviation Mogul
Becoming a successful and respected Indian army soldier, taking an early retirement at 28, and then even deciding to become an entrepreneur and eventually, the founder of Air Deccan- Capt. Gopinath is a relentless spirit and an inspiration to many.
In 1997, what started as Deccan Aviation, his private commercial helicopter service with just a single helicopter, soon grew into Air Deccan. A new entrant, created as a low-cost airline for the common man. Soon enough, airlines like GoAir and IndiGo followed Air Deccan’s lead. Today, thanks to Captain Gopinath's vision, a flight has become a feasible transportation choice for the normal Indian.
His contributions have won him several accolades, including the Rolex Awards for Enterprise, Rajyotsava Award, “Chevalier de la legion d'Honneur”, Personality of the Decade Award and Sir M Visvesvaraya Memorial Award. Proving to anyone that becoming an entrepreneur is a matter of will, not age.
"It's never too late to be an entrepreneur because it's your business model that counts."
GR Gopinath- SOURCES
- Yourstory
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- Success story
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- Economic Times
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- Outlook India
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Dr. Bhagwati Oza
Professional Athlete
At the age of 12, Bhagwati Oza decided to remain single all her life. Her grandfather took her side when she was pressured to marry by her whole family. Instead he helped her become a doctor, and the only female doctor at the time. Since then, she's become a respected octogenarian, and at age 65 she decided to partake in sports.
At 75, she cycled 3000 km from Kolkata to Kanyakumari. In 2016, she was awarded a National Award for Older Persons in Sports and Adventure category in 2016 by the then President of India, Mr Pranab Mukherjee. It's considered to be the equivalent of the Padmashree award.
Today at 84, she swims, cycles, runs marathons and takes part in various social activities. Unfazed by challenges, she credits her mental strength and determination to her mother. Her daily routine? Cycling 15 km and Running 5km. No scooters or cars, just cycling.
"Bhagwati Oza’s intrepidity is inspiring. She has proved that it is never too late to chase passion and happiness."
SheThePeople- SOURCES
- Gogupshup
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- Vadodara News
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- Success Unlimited Mantra
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- SheThePeople
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Capt. Krishnan Nair
Hotelier
In 1981, a 65-year-old man from Kannur ventured fearlessly into the hospitality industry. The man, Krishnan Nair. His vision, The Leela.
Born in 1922, Krishnan was one of the eight children of a government bill collector. He was a young, rebellious freedom activist, and member of Bose’s Indian National Army. Nair retired as a Captain aged 29, after which he started helping Leela, his wife, and father with his textile export business. He found unwavering success and discovered a sharp businessman in himself. “Bleeding Madras” became all the rage in the US.
It was on these trips abroad that another genius idea started taking form - the inception of an international standard luxury hotel in India. Before anyone knew it, the Leela hospitality was born - by a visionary, a hotelier, a man who was voracious, indefatigable, and ahead of his times. All at the age of 65.
“NAIR’S ENTRY INTO THE INDIAN HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY WAS UNUSUAL AND WAS AT AN AGE WHEN MOST RETIRE.”
Forbes India- SOURCES
- Economic Times
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- Forbes India
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- Livemint
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Taru Mateti
Marathon Runner
Taru Mateti started running marathons at the age of 49. Her previous life involved her going from being a teacher in schools in her so-called prime years, to becoming an engineer and working in the corporate world.
Her love for running started one day after training for a 10k event. Since that fateful day, she's never looked back. Completing over a hundred races - running three 50 km ultras, five full marathons, and countless half marathons - her track record is commendable. She's won 40 podiums in various runs across the country, but has also been an Event Ambassador as well as a Race Director at half marathons.
She did her most difficult race with her husband. Called the Comrades Marathon, it was spread across 90.2 km of hills and she clocked an impressive 10:53:02. Her mantra? She's in competition with no one but herself, running her own race. All she aims for is to be a better runner than she was yesterday.
"I SOMETIMES WONDER HOW IT WOULD'VE BEEN IF I'D STARTED RUNNING EARLIER. I DON'T THINK AGE BECOMES A DETERRENT ANYWAY."
Taru Mateti- SOURCES
- THE INDIAN EXPRESS
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- THE BRIDGE
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- PROUD INDIAN WOMAN
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- SAKAL TIMES
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Sandeep Sreedharan
Chef
A self-taught chef, after spending over a decade in the corporate world, Sandeep decided to quit it all to pursue his love for food and cooking. At the age of 45 Sandeep started a blog called ‘Esca Brahma’ a.k.a. 'food creation'. Sreedharan is now one of the most sought-after chefs in Mumbai.
He has created a new cuisine called ‘Modern Coastal’, in which he has taken the flavours from the coast, starting from his hometown, Mahe, and has applied some of the world’s best techniques to them. In 2018, he started Curry Tales in Mumbai, his first casual fine-dining restaurant, aimed to popularise southwestern coastal cuisine.
He is an encyclopaedia on curries and food in general, which stems from his desire to consume the history of food. The simplicity of his food brings a familiar taste to his patrons’ palates – the same familiarity that comes with wholesome, home cooked food.
"Even after 15 years of consulting, with an engineering degree and an MBA, Sandeep moved to pursue his passion as a chef. There has been no looking back ever since."
MindlerThe information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Premlata Agarwal
Mountaineer
Married at a young age, Premlata only began to discover mountaineering at age 35. She met Bachendri Pal, the first Indian woman to climb Mount Everest in 1984, because her daughters were interested in adventure sports. But meeting her changed Premlata's perspective entirely.
From taking her first mountaineering course in 2000, to climbing Mount Everest in 2011, she then aimed to conquer the highest peaks of all continents, known as the Seven Summits. She became India’s first female to conquer the Seven Summits of the world. In 2013, she was awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India for her achievements in the field of Mountaineering.
Now at 57, she hopes to inspire other girls from India to take up sport, and change their mindsets from ‘impossible’ to ‘difficult, but possible’.
"The life of Premlata Agarwal proves that people are never too old to chase their dreams. Age and social position really don’t matter if they have love for their passion."
BeAnInspirer- SOURCES
- India Today
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- Insider
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- People Pill
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- BeAnInspirer
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
Latika Chakravorty
Entrepreneur
A ninety year old entrepreneur who makes handbags from old clothes, saris and kurtas. Married to an Officer-Surveyor from Survey Of India, Latika Chakravorty got to travel to various parts of India, collecting sarees and fabrics, never discarding them.
Latika was very fond of sewing, stitching and knitting as a child, she only realised her talent by chance, when one day, her daughter-in-law asked her to make a potli bag that would match with her saree. She began making drawstring pouches and potlis out of the sarees she had preserved over the years. She began gifting them to relatives and friends. Her grandson, Joy, always thought that it deserved more appreciation. Today, Latika's Bags gets orders from all over India and abroad, including countries like Germany, Oman and New Zealand.
Why make bags out of sarees? For her, as long as the sarees live, their stories will continue to live on, even though in another form. Her most prized companion? Her ‘USHA’ sewing machine, gifted by her late husband around 64 years ago.
"EVEN AT AGE 89, LATIKA CONTINUES TO LEAD A PEACEFUL WORK LIFE AND GIVE A NEW LEASE OF LIFE TO OLD, ANTIQUE SAREES."
Postory.com- SOURCES
- Latika’s Bags
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- Postoast
- DISCLAIMER
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.
The information contained on this section of the microsite is for general information and motivational purposes only, and has been taken from third party sources which are mentioned above. Use of this information does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by the individual persons whose stories appear on this page. The information/stories contained in this section of the microsite does not constitute a solicitation or offer by HDFC Life to buy insurance products or other financial instruments .
While we endeavor to keep the information up to date and correct, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, accuracy or reliability of the information/stories appearing on this section of the microsite. Any reliance you place on such information/stories is therefore strictly at your own risk.