Age Cannot Wither Her

We thank "Nature" that has made her!

- Neha Sonpar

Age cannot wither her," this is the first thought that comes to my mind when Ilook at Hanasaben. The years have bestowed charm and grace on her and each person at the Institute will vouch for the caring attention she showers on them. What makes her such a special person? Is it her ability to make people feel at home? Her open personality? Her commitment to make others feel secure? "We are your family. Treat the Institute as a second home." Is it her compassion, her unique ability to be an excellent, empathetic listener? Be that as it may, the fact remains that for many of us, and especially the women of the special class, she is a figure larger than life itself. Her simple, practical homilies have had such an immediate impact that many are moved to worship.

I met Hansaben sixteen years back, when I was in my late teens. Being a sceptic and an atheist, I was eager to learn the Asanas in the special class, but remained extremely critical of the philosophy propounded. Cocooned and sheltered in a cosy world, I would dumbly question the need for learning to maintain emotional stability. Why does yoga ask one to practice quietude, mental control and discipline, when I have not yet experienced disquietude, frustration, anxiety, etc.? Life soon gave me plenty of opportunity to experience these, and I could only lament that if I had been in a state of learning, I could have benefitted from Hansaben's teachings, that women must cultivate emotional control, prevent mood swings, discipline the body and increase their tolerance level.