Thousand Full Moon Shrimati Asha Keskar (née Asha Mukund Deshpande) in conversation with Rohini Abhyankar
Childhood
Shrimati Asha Keskar was born on January 12, 1939, in Tatanagar, India. Although she was born there, she spent her childhood and formative years in Amravati, Maharashtra, a city well known for its educational institutions.
She grew up in a large family of seven siblings and was one of a pair of twin sisters. Her father was a dedicated schoolteacher who later retired as a headmaster but continued teaching even after retirement. Because of the family's financial responsibilities and the large number of children, every child learned the value of hard work, cooperation, and sacrifice.
Shrimati Keskar fondly recalls the joy of growing up with her siblings. One amusing childhood memory involved neighborhood children teasing her, her twin sister, and their two brothers, who were all in elementary school at the time. Since the twins, Asha and Usha, were born in Tatanagar, their grandmother affectionately called them Baby (Asha) and Tati (Usha). As often happens on school playgrounds, the older children turned these nicknames into a playful chant, calling the four siblings "Tati, Vati, Gadva, Pela"—the Marathi names for common eating utensils. Loosely translated into English, the names correspond to dish, bowl, goblet, and cup. Fortunately, caring adults intervened and brought the teasing to an end.
Another cherished memory from her childhood was being taught by her father, who educated all of his children through middle school before they moved on to high school. Those years of learning under his guidance remain among her most treasured memories.
Although she excelled academically and passed her matriculation examinations with good marks, circumstances prevented her from pursuing higher education. Instead, she helped care for her mother, managed household responsibilities, and learned practical skills such as crafts and flower making. Looking back, she acknowledges this as one of the few disappointments in her life but speaks with gratitude rather than regret.
After Marriage
Shrimati Keskar married at the age of 22. Her husband was a civil engineer with the Indian Railways, and his career took the family to a couple of different locations in India.
One of the most memorable periods of her life began shortly after the birth of her first son, when her husband's work required them to move to a remote railway construction site deep in the forests of Madhya Pradesh. With an infant in her arms, she found herself living in an isolated area where railway tunnels were being constructed.
Initially, she was the only woman living at the site, surrounded by construction workers and dense forest. Over time, additional engineers' families arrived, creating a close-knit community despite their diverse cultural backgrounds. The women supported one another, forming lasting friendships while adapting to challenging living conditions.
Among her most unforgettable experiences was witnessing the moment when workers digging a railway tunnel from opposite ends finally met in the middle. The successful completion of the tunnel was celebrated by everyone involved and remains one of the proudest memories of her life.
During this period, she also experienced a deeply spiritual moment. A revered saint, Pundalik Maharaj, a disciple of Gajanan Maharaj, unexpectedly visited the remote construction camp after hearing of her isolated circumstances. Having grown up in a family devoted to Shri Gajanan Maharaj, she regarded this visit as a profound blessing and an affirmation of her faith.
As her husband's career progressed, the family eventually settled in Thane, near Mumbai, where they lived for over 55 years. While her husband focused on his demanding engineering career, Shrimati Keskar managed the household, raised their children, oversaw their education, and created a stable and loving home. She credits this partnership for their children's eventual success, both of whom later established their lives in the United States.
Living in the United States
After many decades in India, Shrimati Keskar eventually moved to the United States to live with her daughter following the passing of her husband. Although leaving India after more than half a century was emotionally difficult, her husband had gently prepared her for this transition. He often reminded her that if she were ever alone, she should not hesitate to live near their children.
Initially, the decision was challenging because of the friendships and community she had built over many years in Thane. However, she realized that her children would be better able to care for her if she lived nearby. She accepted the move not as a sacrifice but as the next natural stage of life.
Today, she has built a fulfilling daily routine centered on lifelong learning and spiritual growth. She participates in several online classes studying the Bhagavad Gita, Dnyaneshwari, Panchadashi, and Yoga Vasistha. She enjoys learning from gifted teachers and has even begun memorizing chapters of the Bhagavad Gita. Her mornings are filled with study, reflection, and personal growth.
When asked what advice she would offer younger generations, Shrimati Keskar emphasizes the importance of contentment, adaptability, faith, and acceptance. She believes that true happiness comes from adjusting gracefully to life's changing circumstances rather than resisting them. Reflecting on the COVID-19 pandemic, she observed that many young people rediscovered spirituality and recognized the importance of faith during difficult times.
Her guiding philosophy is simple yet profound: live with contentment, trust life's journey, and support one's family with love and understanding. She believes that peace comes not from holding on to the past but from embracing each new stage of life with gratitude.
Closing Reflection
Shrimati Asha Keskar's life is a remarkable journey spanning more than eight decades. From a joyful childhood in Amravati to raising a family across India's diverse landscapes and finally beginning a new chapter in the United States, her story is one of resilience, devotion, faith, and quiet strength. Her experiences demonstrate how embracing change with grace and maintaining unwavering faith can transform life's challenges into enduring sources of wisdom and inspiration.
We wish Shrimati Asha Kesakar a healthful and serene journey ahead!
