Retired, but not tired, Bangia lives each day to fullest

Minna Zutshi

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, August 14

It is never too late to celebrate life. At 76, this senior citizen rides scooter decorated with postal stamps. Philately is his hobby. Creating awareness about the rights of senior citizens is his avowed mission. Yashpal Bangia, who retired from the Department of Post after 38 years’ service, believes in living each day to the fullest. He wrote his first book on senior citizens in 2009 and now he’s working on his 10th book. He has written six books on philately.

An avid philatelist, he founded the Philatelic Congress of Punjab in 1990 and the Ludhiana Philatelic Club in 1973. Unlike many others who let life pass by when they approach the retirement age, Bangia has been determined to pursue his hobbies and interests with redoubled enthusiasm. In 2017, he got the state award in the field of social service.

“Retired, but not tired” – this is his favourite quote.

He works tirelessly for the welfare and dignity of senior citizens. “Senior citizens have years of experience and it is up to the young generation to make the best use of this experience and expertise,” says Bangia. In the country where age and its wisdom have been venerated, it is sad that ageism has crept into the social fabric, threatening to tear asunder all the age-old cherished values, he rues. “I have been noticing that in social situations and public dealings, the elderly remain marginalised. Either they are treated patronisingly or they remain unheard and unheeded. Why do we forget that the elderly too have a right to lead a life of dignity and self-respect?” His advice to the younger generation is: Serve your parents. Visiting religious places or going on pilgrimages is a futile exercise if you neglect your parents.

As a yoga enthusiast, Bangia’s resolve has been to live his life by the principles of yoga. His scooter, adorned with an assortment of postal stamps on yoga, is a testimony to his interest in both yoga and philately. Yet another abiding interest of this man with a wondrous zest for life is Hindi language. A postgraduate in Hindi, he has worked unstintingly for promoting Hindi language in the state.