“We don’t fear Manual Labor, In our Mid to late – 60s. Never ask people to do what you wouldn’t do. It is untoward” Jon Malkovich (owning vineyards)
Jon Malkovich's Vineyards
Jon Malkovich, an academy award winner, and a proud owner of vast vineyards feels one should not get their hands dirty only when they are young. “I do not grow vines for the love of gardening, I do it because I like to enjoy and get drunk”.
Gardening is a great hobby for most elderly as it requires patience and there is not a time bound activity. Jon feels that gardening is something like life. The longer it takes for the fruit to grow the sweeter and juicier the fruit bears. So being patient and allowing yourself time will give you sweeter results.
Working in the vineyards has enabled Jon to enjoy his passion, sleep better and give him a purpose to get up in the morning. Sharing the same vision and notion on a larger scale is Mrs. Saalumarada Thimmakka, a 107-year-old lady who has been awarded the highest civilian award in India.
Mrs. Saalumarada Thimmakka Gardening
Thimmakka, coming from a poor background was not into gardening and did not to grow a simple plant for herself, or did not have the interest to do so. After being married at a young age, she became infertile and other major body ailments followed. Under medication and depressed she wanted to end her life at the age of 40. she decided to take up gardening. Upon hearing about the uprooting of trees along the highway close to her village she found a new purpose in life to plant big banyan trees at the age of 60.
With the support of her husband, they started with 10 saplings over 4km in the first year. They grew those saplings like their children and took of them all on their own. Shortly Thimmaka’s husband passed away. Living off 5 a month from government pension, she decided to continue the path as it was filled with purpose. Thimmaka solely planted over 8000 banyan trees over 45 kilometres and continues to do so even after turning 107.
Gardening Is NOT Just A Great Hobby
Upon receiving recognition and an inspiration to the millions around the country she remains innocent and modest about her vision. Asked why she continues to do so. She said “I wish to leave a mark, a legacy. I am unable to bear children who will carry my legacy, but what started as a hobby has made me who I am” Thimmaka’s aspiration has evolved and has devoted her life to social work and now plans to bring hospitals close to her village.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure” – Marianne Williamson
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