Latest news with #GenSLife
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First Post
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- First Post
‘Real Heroes', Saluting Our Seniors An Original Sony LIV Series Honoring India's Armed Forces Veterans and Freedom Fighters
Real Heroes is more than a tribute—it is a bridge between generations. Through unfiltered voices and lived experiences, the series reminds us that the courage of our seniors read more Sony LIV proudly announces the launch of Real Heroes, an eight-part original docuseries that brings to life the powerful personal stories of India's freedom fighters and armed forces veterans. Directed by Anirban Bhattacharyya, it is streaming exclusively on Sony LIV's YouTube channel. The series is a moving tribute to the generations of Indians who have devoted their lives to safeguarding the country's sovereignty and values. Real Heroes marks a significant step in Gen S Life's broader mission to honour, amplify and preserve the voices of India's senior citizens. By capturing the memories of these national icons, the series serves not just as documentation but as legacy-preserving stories that have remained unheard or under-celebrated for too long. From the snow-covered silence of Siachen to the historic resistance of the freedom movement, these narratives offer intimate insights into the human cost of service, courage and conviction. The series is an absolute eye-opener with the veterans revealing never-before-heard first-hand experiences of some of the biggest military operations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Among the featured voices is Lt Gen Sanjay Kulkarni PVSM, AVSM, SC, SM, VSM (Retd), a veteran of Operation Meghdoot (1984), and a war-hero, reflecting on the life-threatening conditions he faced, shared, 'Siachen is not a place you conquer; it is a place that tests your will to survive. We went there not just to hold ground but to uphold India's honour in the harshest climate on earth. Here Great Courage and Fortitude is the Norm.' Col. DPK Pillay (Shaurya Chakra), from Kannur, Kerala, recalled his time in Manipur in 1994, 'In the chaos of battle in Manipur, I learned that true soldiering means saving lives, not taking them. Wounded in Operation Rakshak, I gave up my evacuation for two injured children. The villagers' gratitude stayed with me—and years later, they called me back, not with bitterness, but with honor. In their resilience, I saw that even in war, humanity speaks without words, and gratitude never fades.' Hailing from Punjab, Col. Jasbir Singh, who was grievously injured during the Indo-Pak war in Operation Cactus-Lily (1971), spoke with clarity and strength. 'When I stepped on a mine and lost my foot, I knew my life would change. But I did not lose my purpose. That war taught me to live with honour, no matter the cost'. Dr. G.G. Parikh, a 101-year-old freedom fighter from Mumbai, who was jailed for 10 months during the Quit India movement remembered the underground resistance during British rule. 'We fought without weapons, but with a relentless spirit. We were imprisoned, but never silenced. Freedom was earned by ordinary people doing extraordinary things. And today, I fear we have forgotten the quiet strength of civil disobedience, of selflessness. That's why I speak—to remember, and to remind.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Brig. Shamsher Singh (AVSM), who fought in the Battle of Haji Pir (1965), spoke of the mountainous terrain and his unit's bravery,'The Haji Pir pass wasn't just terrain—it was an identity, a cause. We were told to expect 100% casualty and we were prepared to die!' Gour Hari Das, from Odisha, who was blessed by Mahatma Gandhi, spent decades trying to prove his identity as a freedom fighter after Independence. 'I fought to free India before 1947, and I fought bureaucracy after. Both battles demanded patience and faith. I only ever wanted to be acknowledged as a freedom fighter.' Recalling the 1971 Battle of Basantar, Lt. Col. B.T. Pandit (PVSM, VRC), a decorated veteran from Pune Maharashtra, shared, 'I was sitting on the top of the tank and riding towards the enemy. I could hear the enemy bullets ricocheting off the tank. On the battlefield, you don't think of your life—you think of your nation.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD From Mumbai, Commodore Medioma Bhada, a naval pilot who took part in an operation to bomb Chittagong in 1971, vividly remembers taking off in his Sea Hawk aircraft from INS Vikrant and heading towards the target, 'I was full of adrenaline. We were under strict radio silence, flying low over enemy harbours, knowing we might not return. But in uniform, fear takes a back seat to duty. We were young men flying into enemy fire and our brief was clear - destroy the targets at any cost.' Reflecting on the significance of the series, Meenakshi Menon, Founder of Gen S Life, said, 'This initiative aligns with Gen S Life's core mission—to serve and celebrate India's senior citizens. These stories are a powerful reminder that history lives in people. By honouring their voices, we are not only remembering the past but investing in a more grateful future.' Anirban Bhattacharyya, bestselling author and the director-producer of Real Heroes, added, 'Real Heroes has been one of the most humbling experiences of my life. These are not just stories; they are legacies, lived and carried by men who gave a part of themselves for India. We owe it to our future generations to document this living history while we still can. This series is our way of saluting the spirit, courage, and integrity of India's true legends.' STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lt. Gen (Retd) Sanjay Kulkarni cited the series to be, 'An endeavour to motivate the present generation with deeds of yesteryears which have geo strategic reverberations for our future generations, I compliment and laud this great initiative of Gen S Life for honouring our great soldiers for whom Naam Namak Nishan is a call worth sacrificing their lives for the Nation. Jai Hind.' Real Heroes is more than a tribute—it is a bridge between generations. Through unfiltered voices and lived experiences, the series reminds us that the courage of our seniors is not just part of our past, but a legacy that continues to shape who we are as a nation. Their stories deserve to be heard, remembered, and passed on.
New Indian Express
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Chennai's performance space witnesses a new generation
Now the event — being organised by Do With Lit in collaboration with GenS Life, a cultural community known for its open mics and cultural events across India — comes to Chennai. 'Open mics are typically attended by people between 18 and 30 years,' says Vishwas, founder of Do With Lit. 'But we noticed that seniors, too, want to experience the joy, showcase their passion and get on the stage.' On choosing Chennai as their second outing, he says, 'We usually conduct a lot of our events in cities like Bangalore and Chennai. Chennai has a dedicated crowd for our open mics, and the responses have always been great and encouraging. So we decided to have the Senior Spotlight's second edition in Chennai,' says Vishwas, a Bengalurean by birth, a Chennaite by heart. For Vishwas and his team, the realisation hit during one of their regular open mics, when a few senior participants performed eagerly among an intergenerational audience. 'They performed really well,' Vishwas recalls. 'But they were also slightly hesitant as they felt a little out of place. When we asked what made them attend the event, they said they were looking for a platform.'
Hans India
06-06-2025
- Business
- Hans India
Life After 60: A new chapter begins with GenS life
Once considered the threshold to retirement, 60 is now being redefined across India as the beginning of something bold, fulfilling, and full of possibilities. A movement is unfolding—driven by a generation of seniors who are embracing life with newfound purpose and freedom. And at the heart of this transformation is GenS Life, a brand built to empower, uplift, and celebrate the lives of those aged 60 and above. 'It's no longer about stepping back,' says Meenakshi Menon, 66, Founder of GenS Life. 'We believe that life after 60 is not about looking back. It is about looking ahead with optimism and confidence. Every senior has a story that is still unfolding.' All across the country, older adults are turning expectations on their head. They're starting second careers, launching startups from long-nurtured hobbies, learning new skills online, solo traveling, and fearlessly exploring what they once only dreamed of doing. This shift, Meenakshi points out, is being driven by a combination of factors: greater financial independence, increased longevity, better access to healthcare, and the growing use of digital platforms. But more than anything, it's a mindset revolution. 'Age is no longer a limitation—it's a badge of wisdom, clarity, and resilience,' she says. 'People in their 60s and 70s are seeing life with fresh eyes, and there's a lot they want to do. That energy, that spirit, needs to be celebrated and supported.' For generations, Indian society viewed the post-60 years as a winding down of ambition. But the narrative is shifting. More and more, older adults are being seen not as dependents, but as contributors, creators, and change-makers. GenS Life is helping to cement this cultural transformation. Rather than offering just products or services, the brand is focused on building a movement—one rooted in dignity, community, and self-empowerment. 'Our goal isn't just to serve seniors—it's to honour them,' Meenakshi affirms. 'They are not invisible. They are vibrant. And they deserve platforms that recognize their unique strengths and evolving aspirations.' That philosophy is perfectly encapsulated in GenS Life's stirring anthem, 'Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai.' More than just a song, it's a rallying cry for India's senior citizens—a powerful reminder that their stories are far from over. The anthem captures the vitality, ambition, and hope that defines today's generation of older adults. 'It's a celebration of what lies ahead,' Meenakshi shares. 'It reminds us that no matter our age, there's still so much more to explore, to learn, to give, and to experience.' What GenS Life offers is not simply a support system, but an invitation—to dream again, to connect, to grow. Through community-led initiatives, skill-building programs, and purpose-driven engagement, it enables seniors to live life on their own terms. The message is simple, yet powerful: turning 60 is not an end. It's an opening. It's not a farewell to ambition, but a welcome to reinvention. 'We want people to stop measuring life in years and start measuring it in dreams fulfilled, skills learned, and connections made,' Meenakshi emphasizes. 'Let every 60th birthday be a new beginning.' With GenS Life leading the way, India's seniors are no longer confined to quiet corners. They are rising, thriving, and inspiring with every step they take. And with each story still unfolding, one truth stands tall: Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai.
Time of India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Usha Uthup's 'Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai' is a celebration of life after 60
Iconic singer believes that age should not be a barrier when it comes to passion and self-expression. Keeping with the spirit, Uthup has lent her voice to the anthem celebrating life After 60, "Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai". Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Powered by GenS Life, a startup redefining the narrative around aging, the anthem focuses on the message that life can still be fruitful post60. Talking about "Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai", Uthup said, "The concept of 'Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai' deeply resonated with me. I have always believed that age should never be a barrier to creativity, passion, or self-expression. Singing this anthem gave voice to countless individuals who continue to live with purpose and vitality well beyond the age of 60." Usha Uthup performs at a club where she she was felicitated last month GenS Life founder, Meenakshi Menon added, "At GenS Life, we wanted to spotlight real people whose stories have been overlooked. This anthem is a celebration of the richness of life after 60 full of purpose, creativity, and unfiltered joy. Every person in the video embodies this truth in their own unique way." Composer Shameer Tandon shared, "We created a sound that is grounded in authenticity. It blends nostalgia with a modern, uplifting energy, mirroring the spirit of those embracing their second innings with dignity and pride." The video of the anthem has some vibrant 60+ individuals, each sharing their journey and spirit. With soundscape by acclaimed composer Shameer Tandon, the anthem has been envisioned by Meenakshi Menon. Uthup's playback journey began with singing at nightclubs in Kolkata. She stood out with her deep, and velvety voice. Over the years, she went on to deliver hits like "Hari Om Hari" (Pyaara Dushman, 1980), "Ramba Ho" (Armaan, 1981), "One Two Cha Cha Cha" (Shalimar, 1978), and "Darling" ( 7 Khoon Maaf, 2011), among others. She has also been awarded Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan for her contribution to Indian music.
Hans India
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
Usha Uthup's 'Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai' is a celebration of life after 60
Mumbai: Iconic singer Usha Uthup believes that age should not be a barrier when it comes to passion and self-expression. Keeping with the spirit, Uthup has lent her voice to the anthem celebrating life After 60, "Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai". Powered by GenS Life, a startup redefining the narrative around aging, the anthem focuses on the message that life can still be fruitful post60. Talking about "Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai", Uthup said, 'The concept of 'Kahaani Abhi Baaki Hai' deeply resonated with me. I have always believed that age should never be a barrier to creativity, passion, or self-expression. Singing this anthem gave voice to countless individuals who continue to live with purpose and vitality well beyond the age of 60.' GenS Life founder, Meenakshi Menon added, 'At GenS Life, we wanted to spotlight real people whose stories have been overlooked. This anthem is a celebration of the richness of life after 60 full of purpose, creativity, and unfiltered joy. Every person in the video embodies this truth in their own unique way.' Composer Shameer Tandon shared, 'We created a sound that is grounded in authenticity. It blends nostalgia with a modern, uplifting energy, mirroring the spirit of those embracing their second innings with dignity and pride.' The video of the anthem has some vibrant 60+ individuals, each sharing their journey and spirit. With soundscape by acclaimed composer Shameer Tandon, the anthem has been envisioned by Meenakshi Menon. Uthup's playback journey began with singing at nightclubs in Kolkata. She stood out with her deep, and velvety voice. Over the years, she went on to deliver hits like "Hari Om Hari" (Pyaara Dushman, 1980), "Ramba Ho" (Armaan, 1981), "One Two Cha Cha Cha" (Shalimar, 1978), and "Darling" ( 7 Khoon Maaf, 2011), among others. She has also been awarded Padma Shri, and Padma Bhushan for her contribution to Indian music.
