At 104 years Ratni Bai Chordia is deeply engaged with the world around her. Whether it is playing pallankuzhi for hours or reading the Hindi newspaper daily, the centenarian from Mylapore follows a steady routine.Long-time residents of Mylapore remember Ratna Mahal, the two-storied vintage building, on Bazaar Road and the family that lived there until a decade ago. The house belonged to S Manicklal Chordia, a Gandhian, social worker, and member of the Indian National Congress. While Manicklal passed away in 2006, his wife, Ratni Bai, moved to Mylapore to live with one of her sons.“Amma,” as she is fondly called by her family of 149 members spread across India, remains central to their lives.
Ratni Bai Chordia, who once hosted Congress leaders at Ratna Mahal, continues to inspire generations with her spirited life.
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Ratni Bai Chordia, 104, enjoys a game of pallankuzhi at her Mylapore residence in Chennai.
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