Claying at 81

How would you react when someone says, "The last time I touched clay, I was just six years old...almost 75 years ago." The first thing you will do is quickly calculate the present age of the gentleman and feel blessed to meet such an inspiration.

I felt equally delighted when I met 81 year kid Mr. Shivrao Joshi. Why kid? Because his eyes were full of gleam like a 5 year old when he entered the studio!

Mr Joshi visited us with his family to celebrate his son's birthday and he was the most excited participant of all. I could clearly see the joy on his face and actions. 

He created a beautiful cradle style clay basket and a cute ganesha as well. And that's not all. 

After every workshop, participants help us in cleaning the workspace and tools. And he was the leader of all. By the time, we all finished wrapping and cleaning the workstation for cake cutting, Mr Joshi continued the cleaning task and ensured that the tiniest piece of clay lying on table should be picked and put back into the recycle bowl. "0% wastage"! This can only be done by a person who is very disciplined in life and values the little things that life offers us. 

This really inspired me to find more about his daily routine, background and lifestyle. His doting daughter-in-law Renuka told us few very interesting facts about him which would leave you awestruck.

Appa (that's how everyone call him at home) was in Government Service and retired as Traffic& Depot Head from Karnataka State Transport. However, his hobby lies in cooking. He makes delicious Gulab Jamuns, very yummy Besan ke Laddu, all sort of Chutneys and Masalas too. 

For a South Indian family, it’s always a huge gathering for any Puja at home. Be it a Navratri or Ganesh Puja or Satyanarayan Katha, Appa use to cook with Amma for 80-100 people at home. Even today, he enjoys making masalas, pickles, dry chutneys for home. 

However... all this happens only when there is no sports to watch :) He is die hard cricket fan but in general sports lover. Very disciplined in his diet and touchwood in Pink of his health with no lifestyle diseases like BP/Sugar !!

I am totally inspired after meeting Mr Joshi and thought should introduce him to you all too :)  Happy Claying!!