COVID-19 tales: 100-year-old Vile Parle resident waits 'to go back to the weekly bhajan sessions'

Prabhavati Khedkar, the centenarian who celebrated her 100th birthday by getting a vaccine at BKC’s Jumbo COVID Centre, with her great grandchildren at her home

First 100-Year-Old Indian To Get Vaccinated

Prabhavati Khedkar, 100, Mumbai
Vile Parle resident, mother of 2, grandmother to 2

My daily routine before the pandemic struck involved getting up at 2 am and praying until 5 am. After a bath, I would get on with the day. And, on Thursdays I would attend a bhajan meet between 3 pm and 5 pm at Admar Mutt in Andheri West.

This has been my schedule for the last 60 years. A schedule that had come to a halt due to COVID-19 restrictions when the national lockdown was announced in March 2020. Since then, I have been cooped up at home, but I don't feel like I am missing much outside, except for these weekly bhajan meets.

This isn't my first epidemic. I remember the plague affecting my village during my childhood. I can recall my mother and sisters being very careful about keeping the house and the huge verandah in Bellary (where I was born) clean and rat-free. Then, there was the small pox epidemic. But, all I recall is that I kept my sons
in a self-imposed lockdown for two weeks, but then let them step out once we felt there was no imminent threat.

The first time that I stepped out of the house post March was earlier this month, when I got the first vaccination shot at the BKC Jumbo COVID centre. It was also the day I turned 100 and, had it not been at the insistence of my son, I wouldn't have gone for the jab. But, I did because I wanted to keep him happy.

It's not that I didn't want to get vaccinated. I was just indifferent to it. But, when my younger son blocked time for me, I didn't oppose it. I was never afraid of side effects as I trust our family doctor who encouraged me to take the vaccine.

The one place I want to head to after my second vaccine dose is the mutt, where I can attend my bhajan sessions.

We'd have women coming over from across the city, even Dadar and Matunga. For the last year, we have been holding the sessions on the phone, but the participants have been calling me constantly to ask when we can hold them in person. Several women attend the sessions - mothers and daughters - and after the bhajans, we would enjoy a cup of coffee or tea. The head of the mutt recognises me and they take good care of me, anytime I go.

But, I am in no hurry to leave my house. I will not step out after the second jab, but only when it's safe for everyone in the city too.