I Have Not Retired From Life

I am now 66. At 60, during the first phase of Covid, I retired as Chief Risk Officer and Revenue Officer of a French MNC for its India IT networking business operations. My career had consumed most of my working life, leaving little room for hobbies or personal interests. Retirement changed that. I began to understand that stepping away from work did not have to mean stepping away from growth.

I had always enjoyed Western and Indian instrumental music, though I never understood it deeply. I was especially fascinated by the violin. After retirement, my daughter encouraged me to learn it, and my in-laws gave me a violin as a retirement gift. I found a guru who taught me the basics of music and violin for the better part of four years. I reached a beginner-to-intermediate level, but a frozen shoulder gradually made regular practice and playing difficult.

My thoughts then returned to my father. In his younger days, he played the flute without formal training, developing his ability through his ear for music. I had been too young to fully appreciate his flair, but his love for the flute stayed somewhere within me. When playing the violin became difficult, I began considering the flute. I came across Harsh Daveji’s Flute Gandharvas on Instagram and, in July 2026, finally decided to try.

At first, I did not know how to hold the flute or produce even one note. My experience with the violin gave me confidence that I could learn with the right guidance, but the beginning was still difficult. Breath control and finger control were my main struggles. Perfecting each Alankar required intensive practice. I remained patient and persistent, practising for one to one and a half hours on at least five or six days each week. I also submitted my exercises according to the weekly schedule given by Harshji.

There was no single turning point. The change came gradually, through consistent work. Learning the flute has taught me discipline and patience with myself. Its sound and the act of practising have a calming influence, and learning it has become a pleasure. I now feel that work is not everything in life. Developing a musical skill, whether singing or playing an instrument, can support both mental and physical health.

The flute reminds me that although I have retired from work, I have not retired from life. It has given me a fresh perspective and a meaningful way to remain engaged through continued learning. For as long as I live, I want to keep working towards my mental development and physical well-being. The flute quietly helps me move towards both.