Dr Bankey Lal Sharma, a 95-year-old retired philosophy professor from Gujarat, is a living example of how a meaningful routine, mental clarity, and emotional strength can lead to a deeply fulfilling life, even in solitude. His days begin before sunrise with yoga and meditation, and he does every household chore by himself. His story, first featured in The Better India, is not just about living long — it’s about living well, with purpose, peace, and joy. Here’s the truth behind his simple secrets to longevity and happiness.
A lifelong commitment to meditation
Every morning, he meditates without fail. His approach is simple: “Sit and breathe.” Distractions come, but he doesn’t resist them. Instead, he gently brings his mind back. He believes in swadhyaya, a form of self-study where one watches their thoughts without judgment.
This ritual, Sharma says, is not about avoiding the world. It’s about understanding the self better. “Examine your thoughts like a teacher checking homework,” he laughs. “That’s how peace is nurtured.”
Finding strength in solitude
After the passing of his wife in 2019, Sharma could have let loneliness consume him. But he chose to see it differently. “No one can be with someone all the time. Learning to enjoy your own company is vital,” he says.
He considers solitude a blessing. “It gives time to reflect, to heal, to become stronger,” he adds. This perspective has helped him cope with grief and find light even during darker times.
A morning routine that balances body and mind
Sharma starts his day with yoga stretches followed by deep breathing exercises. He doesn’t chase perfection in poses. Instead, he focuses on staying in tune with his body. His granddaughter-in-law, Monica, joins him in pranayama, inspired by his dedication.
What stands out is not the complexity of his routine but the consistency. It’s this rhythm, Sharma believes, that keeps his inner world in order.
A past that shaped a stronger present
His childhood in Bulandshahr was marked by scarcity and hardship. But even then, he found joy in books and determination in education. His village didn’t offer many opportunities, so he walked kilometres to learn. That boy who read by an oil lamp grew into a man who earned a PhD and became a principal.
Rather than being bitter about the past, Sharma draws power from it. “The world was not simpler,” he clarifies. “It was hard. But we had to choose, complain or build a better life. I chose the latter.”
Eating without restrictions, thinking with care
From burgers to roti-sabji, Sharma enjoys his meals without obsessing over health fads. He never imposed rigid rules on his plate. What he focuses on, instead, is what he feeds his mind.
“Books, good thoughts, and wise words have kept me full,” he says. Sharma avoids negativity and instead reads philosophy, reflects on life, and maintains a healthy distance from noisy trends.
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Happiness that doesn’t depend on the world
After nearly a century of living, Sharma’s most powerful insight is this: joy doesn’t come from things, people, or even achievements. “Happiness comes when the mind is trained to see the good,” he shares.
His life is not without pain or setbacks. But instead of waiting for happiness, he cultivates it through gratitude, presence, and a calm spirit.
A lifelong commitment to meditation
Every morning, he meditates without fail. His approach is simple: “Sit and breathe.” Distractions come, but he doesn’t resist them. Instead, he gently brings his mind back. He believes in swadhyaya, a form of self-study where one watches their thoughts without judgment.
This ritual, Sharma says, is not about avoiding the world. It’s about understanding the self better. “Examine your thoughts like a teacher checking homework,” he laughs. “That’s how peace is nurtured.”
Finding strength in solitude
After the passing of his wife in 2019, Sharma could have let loneliness consume him. But he chose to see it differently. “No one can be with someone all the time. Learning to enjoy your own company is vital,” he says.
He considers solitude a blessing. “It gives time to reflect, to heal, to become stronger,” he adds. This perspective has helped him cope with grief and find light even during darker times.
A morning routine that balances body and mind
Sharma starts his day with yoga stretches followed by deep breathing exercises. He doesn’t chase perfection in poses. Instead, he focuses on staying in tune with his body. His granddaughter-in-law, Monica, joins him in pranayama, inspired by his dedication.
What stands out is not the complexity of his routine but the consistency. It’s this rhythm, Sharma believes, that keeps his inner world in order.
A past that shaped a stronger present
His childhood in Bulandshahr was marked by scarcity and hardship. But even then, he found joy in books and determination in education. His village didn’t offer many opportunities, so he walked kilometres to learn. That boy who read by an oil lamp grew into a man who earned a PhD and became a principal.
Rather than being bitter about the past, Sharma draws power from it. “The world was not simpler,” he clarifies. “It was hard. But we had to choose, complain or build a better life. I chose the latter.”
Eating without restrictions, thinking with care
From burgers to roti-sabji, Sharma enjoys his meals without obsessing over health fads. He never imposed rigid rules on his plate. What he focuses on, instead, is what he feeds his mind.
“Books, good thoughts, and wise words have kept me full,” he says. Sharma avoids negativity and instead reads philosophy, reflects on life, and maintains a healthy distance from noisy trends.
Video
Happiness that doesn’t depend on the world
After nearly a century of living, Sharma’s most powerful insight is this: joy doesn’t come from things, people, or even achievements. “Happiness comes when the mind is trained to see the good,” he shares.
His life is not without pain or setbacks. But instead of waiting for happiness, he cultivates it through gratitude, presence, and a calm spirit.
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