Can you still be as graceful?
Can you retain the poise which you had decades ago?
Yes you can if you are Savita Bhargava- Ghumakkad's aunt who recently celebrated her 90th birthday with family and friends in Delhi. She continues to be as charming as ever. I travelled from Hyderabad not to miss the family event. Sharing few pictures of the milestone event.
Here is a short video clip of some of the guests from overseas and India in animated conversations.
The Invite
Sharing below the invite by the nonagenarian's children. To make the event memorable and to enable Savita Mami to meet all the guests and spend some quality time, the 90th Birthday celebrations were spread over two days. The guest lists on the two days were mutually exclusive. A brilliant idea! Well done Ruchi and team.
Early Life
Her daughter Ruchi Ghose writes, "Born in 1936 on 3rd September. The day she was born her father got a job. Very happy and idyllic childhood. Special to her father. Lost him one year after she got married. Has a BSc and a B.Ed. She has a gift of expression - has written stories and commentaries for many programs. Dances and sings with ease."
Few pictures of yesteryears courtesy Ruchi.
Her passion for music led her to start Geetika in Kolkata in 1976. A group of women who sought joy in music. They got together once a week to sing. Geetika still exists in Kolkata and Delhi. They have the most fabulous collection of music ( लोकगीत folk songs) and many original compositions. They present wonderful programs from time to time. She has played a huge role in conceptualising and curating many of these. An exclusive event for the Geetika friends was held a day earlier where they presented Mami with a specially curated booklet.
Ruchi adds, "Her hobbies - she is an excellent seamstress and always stitched our frocks. She has six grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Most of all she is special to many many people."
Forever Young Granny
Ruchi continues, "She refuses to grow old - is interested in so many things. Her grand children adore her - in their eyes she is the best cook and worlds best granny- can do no wrong. When they were young they used to go to Delhi alone for summer holidays. Summers with granny form their fondest memories."
Surprise in Bengaluru
Savita Mami and Jolly Mama live in Bengaluru. Four months ago, I had the pleasure of giving her a surprise visit. The surprise formed the opening part of Ghumakkad's post linked below;
Thriving on Surprises - sharing a picture and a video of the surprise visit. Mami can be seen knitting a sweater for her grand children,
Dancing At Eighty
Savita Mami is an accomplished dancer. Ten years ago, despite aching knees she performed at her niece's wedding while seated on a chair! Sounds incredible? Browse the story below and see few of the pictures and a video to admire Mami's grace.
Dancing At Eighty - Grace has no age!
Special thanks are due to Ruchi Ghose, Mami's eldest offspring for all the inputs including the vintage photographs.
I felt truly blessed to have been part of the celebrations. May Savita Mami enjoy many more years of good health so that we get to attend such parties again and again.
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- Harsh-the-Ghumakkad with Ruchi Ghose/ Secunderabad and New Delhi/ 14th September 2026
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