Art of living a full life after 50

Gowri R Mallya, 70, learnt drawing, computers and driving only after she hit the half-century mark; now is all set for the release of her autobiographical book


It is never too late. At 70, Gowri R Mallya may not have a degree from a reputed university, but she is all set for the release of 'Antardrishti', an autobiographical book with her art works. Life has always been a struggle, and though she wanted to study more, poverty prevented her. She went up to class eleven, even as an uncle sponsored her education, and travelled across South India because her husband S Ramachandra Mallya was a bank employee, but started living her dreams only after she felt all settled at the age of 50.

Gowri hails from Someshwar in Agumbe near Karkala. She moved to Secundrabad and started working at a bank for a few months. Speaking to Bangalore Mirror, she said, “I was then married to Ramachandra Mallya and we kept moving all across South India and finally settled down in Mangalore. In between, I had four daughters Geetha – now a banker, Dr Latha S Davda – Maxillofacial surgeon in the UK, Dr Smitha Hegde –associate professor, department of post graduate studies and research in biotechnology, St Aloysius College and Sangeetha – vice president, human resources, in a multinational bank.”

She said, “At the age of 50, I felt relieved from my family duties and decided to learn drawing and painting, which I craved for when I was young and when my daughters learnt art. For a year, I went to BGM School of Fine Arts in Mangalore and learnt the basics, even as I spent time with my six grandchildren. In between, I learnt art from artist Punichithaya of Kasargod in Kerala.” Her painting mentor has been Ganesh Somayaji.

Now she has made 365 sketches of Ganeshas, which her daughter Latha plans to exhibit through an online gallery as people are always looking for Ganeshas. She also did a painting demonstration at Southampton, UK for ladies of the Vedic Society, during her stay with her daughter. About 16 years ago, along with her daughters Latha and Geetha, an exhibition was organised at Prasad Art Gallery in Mangalore. In 2010, she was among the 1,200 artists who painted on 1,200-meter canvas at the K K Hebbar grounds, Vidyagiri of Alva's Education foundation, Moodabidri as part of Alva's Varna Jagruthi- an attempt to enter the Limca Book of Records. She is also the member of the Artists Combine, Mangalore and various organisations and associations. She has drawn about 26 Ganeshas in water colours and the number continues to grow. Her paintings are as vibrant as her personality

“When I turned 60, my husband fell sick and there was a need for me to learn driving. I also went to St Aloysius College for computer class.” She recollects how the management gave her a fee concession because she was senior citizen and that many students would rush to help her.

Recently, she started writing Konkani and Kannada books. As part of an awareness programme on Konkani culture and language, she translated Sudha Murty's book 'magic drum' to Konkani as 'Jadoo Dhol' in November last year. A good cook, she is also into stitching and embroidery work.

She said, “I always wanted to be self sufficient and not trouble anybody and if possible write more books in Konkani and Kannada. Life begins at 50. Live positively and always think that I am the best and that today is the best. Live happily and let others live happily too.”



THE BOOK

Gowri calls Antardrishti “an autobiographical album of art and script.” It will be released by litterateur Gopal Krishna Pai on Jan 18. Dr Mahalinga Bhat, professor in Kannada, St Aloysius Evening Coliege has been her guide and editor of the book. Speaking about the book she said, the book begins with a description on Jain monks walking down the Agumbe ghat to attend he mahamasthakabisheka - and in a coincidence, the Karkala mahamasthakabhisheka will be observed on Jan 21.