Imagine someone coming and telling you that you will be paid for your basic requirements without working for it. Would you still go to work or be happy about getting everything without effort?
Not sure what you would choose, but Jadi Ba, a 70-year-old lady, did not go for the free meal option! This lady from Ahmedabad lives with her husband in a run-down neighborhood. On being asked about her life, she shared,
“I have been working for 40 years now. I have changed many jobs and have done cleaning, cooking, and helping with other work that can be done with basic skills. It was the need, so I did what was needed in the past years. Even my husband was working till the pandemic hit us. However, during corona his knee problems became an issue, making it extremely difficult for him to work.”
Also, read: Starting Up At 90 And Beating COVID, She Stands Strong Proving Age Is No Bar To Fulfill Dreams
Post corona, Jadi Ba was on a continuous journey of searching for work. The husband-wife duo lives alone as they do not have any children. So, they both look after each other and earn a living. The best thing about her journey is that instead of looking for mere help, she was looking for work to support her family.
Living with dignity and integrity
Jadi Ba got in touch with a guy in an organization who offered her to pay some basic monthly amount to cover her living expenses. However, she was totally against the idea of taking free help, and she insisted he help her get employment.
Finally, her intentions manifested her search into a reality. With his help, Jadi Ba got a job in a proper organization based entirely on her merits and is also paid accordingly.
Even at 70, she is determined to work and earn instead of depending on someone. She firmly believes that receiving money without effort makes a human being more greedy and lazy.
Integrity is a value that is purely reflected in her intent, action, and words.
She is a satisfied human being. Jadi Ba brings special roti for the dogs on campus and feeds them daily. It is only possible to give when the person is genuinely thankful and feels abundance towards what they already have.
Also, read: Loyalty Vs Integrity – What Should Drive Our Decisions?
Jadi Ba currently works at Safai Vidyalay in Ahmedabad and keeps the space clean for all visitors.
On being asked about when she will stop working, she shared,
“I will keep working till I am alive and my body allows me to do so. Working is not just for money, but an activity that also keeps you physically healthy and mentally active.”
Values, principles, and ethics are something that a lot of people talk about. But, Jadi Ba is a true example of “my life is my message”.