Retired Mysuru teacher aged 73, who placed a matrimonial ad, appeals

Mysuru: An elderly retired lady teacher in Mysuru has sparked a social media debate after she placed a matrimonial advertisement seeking a husband — companion — for the rest of her life. In the ad, the 73-year-old woman, a divorcee, has stated that she was looking for an alliance with a man, who is healthy and older to her and mandatorily a Brahmin, of her community.

The advertisement, placed in Mysooru Mithra, the sister concern of Star of Mysore, has triggered a debate and more than a healthy debate, several people have made fun of the ad. While many people have commented that what was the need for the lady to issue the ad after 75 years, many others have supported the woman for seeking a solution on her own to battle loneliness in the evening of her life. 

They have commented that the woman has neither interest in marriage nor a relationship but is in a helpless situation where the support of a companion is needed. Her bold move drew applause from youths, who have boosted her morale and her decision to break cultural stereotypes in the society.

Some of them have even commented about the sad state of our society where elderly citizens are neglected and left to fend for themselves. Sadly, many have even resorted to make fun of the lady, who has given her phone number in the ad. 

Speaking to Star of Mysore, the lady has appealed not to make fun of her move and she was seeking a companion out of loneliness. “I lost my parents and have been leading a lonely life. My first marriage ended in a divorce, which was painful. He took away all my jewellery and also cash obtained from sale of property and my retirement savings. This traumatic experience prevented me from re-marrying all these years,” she narrated. 

“I only have this house where I stay now and my pension. Now, instead of a husband in the traditional sense, I am looking for a companion who can stay with me and support me in need. I am scared to live inside my house and I am also scared even to go near the bus stand. In case I fall and sustain injuries, who will take care of me? I have no one with me to support,” she narrated her helpless situation. 

The lady further added that after placing the ad, she got many calls from interested elderly persons from Mysuru, Bengaluru, Chitradurga, Dharwad, Vijayapura, Goa and even Maharashtra. “I am accustomed to the environs of Mysuru and Bengaluru only and I am looking for a companion from Mysuru or Bengaluru. Many miscreants too called and made fun of me. They have used derogatory language too. I would request them not to make fun of my intentions. It hurts. If I don’t get a suitable match, staying in an old-age home will be inevitable. I only hope that I will not be cheated again,” she said.