Clad in colourful traditional Gujarati attire, Prakash Mehta spins like a Sudarshan Chakra, glowing with energy. The surrounding crowd that had gathered to see his Garba, cheered and applauded. He is 60 years old, and yet, people see him exude a childlike joy. But behind his smile lies a story only a few know. The story of a sixteen-year-old boy who quietly picked up the weight of an entire family and never once put it down.

Facing Tragedy and Stepping Up

Born to an idyllic Gujarati family, he was the youngest of the household, with two elder sisters. Prakash was a gifted child and had an incredible talent in dancing and singing. At school, he wowed everyone with his rare ability to sing in both male and female vocals. He danced in folk forms like Garba and classical ones like Kathak. But all these passionate pursuits came to a grinding halt in 1982 when his father suddenly passed away. With two of his sisters married, he had to step into the shoes of his father. And just like that, the youngest became the head of the household.

Taking the Helm

To support his family, Prakash took whatever job came his way. While working, he also attended college and eventually completed his degree from Bombay University. It was difficult managing both studies and work, but Prakash had his mother by his side. They were always there for one another. For nearly seven years, they continued to face the financial and emotional struggles by leaning on one another.

Then in 1989, he got married. Within a couple of years, he and his wife welcomed a daughter. Slowly, his family grew bigger and happier. At the same time, Mumbai no longer felt sustainable for his growing family. So, in 1993, he uprooted his life and shifted to Bangalore, where he welcomed a son.

Becoming the Giver

For ten years he ran a factory unit in Bangalore. But he looked for something stable, and in 2003 he joined HSBC. There, he found the security he had been seeking and established a long-term career. In the meanwhile, his children grew up, and in them, he saw the potential of a bright future. They showed signs of skill and capability. So, he made a private vow that they would never be held back by financial anxiety like he was. Top-quality tutorials, reputed schools, and colleges. He gave them the best.

As he nurtured his children, his mother’s health worsened. She soon became bedridden. As a result, his mother needed constant care. Prakash with the support of his life partner (his wife) spent almost a decade & half to take care of his bedridden mother. Not only that, to be around her, he chose the night shift. While the city slept, he worked at the office. At dawn, he returned home and fed his mother. Amidst all this, he also found time for kids and his wife too. For any person, this would’ve sucked the energy, but not for Prakash. He drew strength from the literal meaning of his name, Prakash, which means 'light'. He felt a deep sense of purpose in trying to "put some light on someone's life” by being a helpful person and a guide to others, which motivated him to persist through his own struggles. After a few years, his mother passed away.

Meanwhile, his children grew up and secured admirable positions in their careers. His heart swelled with quiet pride as he watched them succeed. Like a tree that never tastes its own fruit, he gave everything to those he loved. His daughter, having completed her CA and CPA qualifications, is now a working woman who lives in the United States with her husband and son. Meanwhile, Prakash's son became a mechanical engineer and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Europe. What more could a father hope to be proud of?

Giving Doesn’t Empty You

After living a selfless life for his family, is Prakash worn out? Has giving emptied him? Nope. In fact, Prakash couldn’t be more energetic. He trains young people in Garba and Dandiya for free and continues his streak of giving it to others. There is a common misconception that giving will drain you, but the truth is, it only replenishes your sense of purpose, happiness and energy. It is evident from Prakash Mehta’s life.

Journey With Marzi

He joined the Marzi community when he was nearing his retirement, out of curiosity to know more what it’s all about. And ever since he developed a liking with what all Marzi is offering, he has been a very active member at Marzi attending all the online & offline events. Prakash Mehta recently took part in the Marzi Superstar competition and turned out victorious in two categories: singing and dancing, this competition was organized by Marzi, a community that is exclusive for individuals who are 50+. He is a testament to the statement that one can live one’s life to the fullest, no matter what the age is, a belief that Marzi also strongly aligns with.