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Miles to go…. Mr. Virendra Nath Kashyap

I am a refugee! No, I WAS a refugee, not anymore.


VK conducting soft skill training sessions

Mr. Kashyap (known as VK amongst his family and friends) says, “I was born on April 5, 1941, in Lahore, now in Pakistan into a well-to-do family. However, because of the political upheaval and like millions of others, we had to move to India, leaving everything behind, nothing with us, bar the clothes on our persons and maybe a few more”.

He spent later years of his childhood in Delhi completed his education, got married, had a wonderful work-life, and is now enjoying his active post-retirement years. Despite his health challenges, VK has always stayed positive. He recalls, “In 1987, I suffered from a massive duodenal ulcer bleed but was back to work in ten days. I am a cardiac patient and have three stents implanted in my heart. A few years back, I also got operated for vocal cord cancer and underwent radiotherapy for seven weeks. However, I have always rebounded back to my normal working very quickly. Today, despite various restrictions, I lead a healthy and happy life.”


VK’s special pasta

Throughout his life, VK kept his learning curve improved. He learned computer skills at the age of 55, enrolled himself for a course in Medical transcription at 65, and another ten years down the lane, he became a certified Soft Skill trainer and since then, conducts his classes. Now, at the age of 78, he is still open to learning new things. Currently, he also volunteers with Magic Bus, an NGO, where he trains underprivileged students in soft skills to help them find suitable jobs. Besides this, he is an avid writer and is also passionate about cooking different cuisines.

AllForSRS asked our beloved senior to share his thoughts on ageing. His beautiful expression….


WHY WORRY!



Why Worry?- VK

If you have crossed sixty – five,

Come to second phase of your life,

Why worry!

You are more experienced today,

Than yesterday,

Why worry!

If to an interesting place you haven’t been,

There was an interesting event, you haven’t seen,

Why worry!

If, because of your busy schedule,

You could not enjoy an interlude,

Why worry!

Now, you will get all the time,

To catch that missing chime,

On your life clock,

Just decide, you are going to rock!

Since you have the time,

You will go for that climb,

Holding hands with your partner, which you had not done, because of the grind!

This is the time to see that sunrise,

You to feel the warmth, the glow, to your surprise,

Enjoy that experience sublime!

Relax and indulge in your hobby, you always wanted to do,

Write or paint or play the flute,

Catch up and indulge in all that’s waiting to be done in you!

You have lived for others, now live for yourself,

God has given you a wonderful life, why leave it on the shelf,

Time for you to find yourself and let your self-esteem swell,

I can go on with so many reasons for you to feel happy, on the past do not dwell!

You have lived a wonderful life and lived it to the brim,

Don’t think of the negatives and make it grim,

Time to make gravy for the curry, (for your life)

For you to enjoy it in a lingering way, not in a hurry,

So – Why worry!

-By Virendra Nath Kashyap

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17 Comments

  • Ratna Banerjee

    Mr. Virendra Nath Kashyap’s positive attitude is wonderful. Any senior citizen will feel charged reading his wonderful long poem which comes from his heart. May he continue to have this youthful spirit to inspire others .

  • Virendra N Kashyap

    Thank you Paromita for sharing my thoughts.
    I am more thrilled to read what Mrs. Ratna Bannerjee had to say. Thanks, once again.

  • Jyoti Sharma

    It was wonderful reading the beautiful, simple ,and so touching message written by you VK ( if I may call you that ) and more than that the meaningful write up comes from a close neighbour about whose such amazing achievements and contributions – was something I was completely unaware !
    Kudos Sir 🙏👍🙏

  • Virendra N Kashyap

    Thank you Jyoti (yes you can call me VK) & Smita Malhotra for your encouraging comments. I appreciate, coming from you two.

  • Nipun gupta

    Wow!! This should be spread to all who feel they should take life easy n retire…u have proved age is just a no. !!and …WHERE THERES A WILL, THERE IS ALWAYS A WAY!!
    Kudos to u Mr VK sir…i salute Ur spirit and Ur zest for learning n teaching!! Commendable to learn that u did to not let health issues bog u down!! Sir, keep the enthusiasm going..and keep inspiring!!

  • Pujan

    Inspirational. Love the spirit . The poem needs to be framed and read everyday – a reminder to enjoy life – to realise you are on the greener side of the grass – it’s the perspective you decide to pick. You have got it so right . Salute to you Mr. kashyap

  • Subhopati Sanyal

    Mr. Kashyap or Sir, as I have always referred to him since I have known him. It was 2010 when I had the opportunity to meet as a new manager who had just joined. From the first moments, he was a natural mentor, guide and a well wishes. I have relished his association so much that he found his place straight in my heart. His amazing philosophies on accepting change and improving ones own self to keep up with the times are still like a bible with me and I am sure with everyone who had a chance to be associated with him. He was the youngest amongst us when it came to ideas and action.

  • Gagandeep Singh Bhatia

    VK, I am proud I got a chance to work with you. We do not realise the value of people, especially at the age that I was back then, but they say ‘the more we know, the more we care’.
    I know very little about you, but whatever I know is a source of inspiration.
    I am very bad at doing this, but still I will try. “It’s a pleasure to know you, and wish you many great years ahead” Cheers!!

  • Vijay

    Having Known VK Sir for over 16 years now, this is a new facet of life that I came to know today, was always aware about his varied kind of post retirement vocations but this is commendable that you have been learning new skills even today. Hats off and best wishes 👏🏻👏🏻

  • Sanghamitra Dasgupta

    Mr Kashyap’s life story is very inspiring for all of us and confirms that life doesn’t lose its charm when one reaches the landmark called “Retirement”.His life had many challenges which he fought courageously and emerged as a winner. He kept evolving ,got himself involved in several fields of his interest which as a result not only satiated his working passion but also helped the society too.His strong will power and sagacity made him a unique and successful person even at 78.
    His limerick is wonderful to read specially the appealling title ‘Why to worry’ which highlights the reality of life and gives the solutions too .Kudos to his Positive and energetic ways of looking at life .
    I also firmly believe that you can not start the next chapter of your life if you keep rereading the last one .

  • Virendra N Kashyap

    Ms. Indu Kohli and Sanghamitra Dasgupta, thank you both for the kind words. Its thanks to Paromita that I have gained a larger than life image and you for your appreciation.

  • Ranjan Dattagupta

    Well said Mr Kashyap – it’s time to make the gravy for the curry of life …. love it… wish you Godspeed. Always Stay Blessed 🙏

  • Ranjan Dattagupta

    Well said Mr Kashyap – it’s time to make the gravy for the curry of life …. love it… wish you Godspeed. Always Stay Blessed 🙏

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