Lucknow: As Pratibha Joshi turns 100 on Thursday, her life story is a reflection of India’s own journey over the past century. To mark this special occasion, her family has planned celebrations, and she will also be honored by local officials.
Born in 1926, two decades before India gained independence, Pratibha has witnessed significant historical events, from the freedom struggle to the rise of democracy, and even the recent global pandemic. Living in Indira Nagar, she continues to stay informed about current events, despite facing challenges with her eyesight and mobility. Her mornings still start with the newspaper, and she expresses her excitement about the modern achievements of women. “When I was younger, there were limits on how far girls could dream. Today, seeing Indian women cricketers make history at Lord’s fills me with pride,” she shared.
Originally from Almora in Uttarakhand, Pratibha grew up in a time when electricity was limited, and girls had few opportunities for education. “My father always encouraged me to learn. I would study for seven to ten hours a day using lamps and diyas for light,” she reminisced.
She excelled academically, becoming the top student in the Anglo-Vernacular Middle School Examination in 1940, earning a gold medal from her headmistress. Four years later, she again topped her High School board examinations.
In 1946, Pratibha married engineer Tara Charan Joshi and went on to raise three sons and two daughters. During the freedom struggle, she contributed by knitting mufflers for revolutionaries. Her greatest inspiration has always been Mahatma Gandhi. “His teachings about truth and self-reliance showed me that ordinary people can spark extraordinary change,” she said.
She vividly remembers the joy of Independence Day on August 15, 1947, describing the atmosphere as happy and emotional. She recalls attending a rally in Barabanki, where she listened to Jawaharlal Nehru speak after independence.
Over the years, she has witnessed India transform from a newly independent nation into one of the world’s largest democracies. From radio sets to smartphones, she has seen remarkable technological advancements.
At the age of 95, Pratibha faced one of her biggest challenges when she contracted Covid-19 along with a lung infection. Her recovery showcased her resilience and determination. “Her positivity has always been her greatest strength,” said her daughter, Smita Pandey. Another daughter, Beenu Joshi, noted, “Even now, she keeps up with the news and enjoys reading books.”
An avid reader, Pratibha continues to cherish the works of authors like Sharat Chandra, Munshi Premchand, and Amritlal Nagar.
