Real Inspiration: Why Anjali Hazari’s Story Is Worth Listening to?
Real Inspiration: Why Anjali Hazari’s Story Is Worth Listening to?
Anjali Hazari, a 68-year-old woman, has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Yet, against all odds, she has emerged as a source of inspiration. Here is her remarkable journey.
On August 15, a team of seven climbers from the Giripremi Adventure Foundation in Pune celebrated India’s Independence Day by hoisting the Indian Tricolour atop Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa. Among them was 68-year-old Anjali Hazari.
As the oldest member of the group, Anjali was encouraged to focus on moving forward, one step at a time. Though her ascent might be slow, her resolve was steadfast.
The climbers from the Pune-based Giripremi Adventure Foundation (GAF) successfully summited Mt. Kilimanjaro after an 11-hour climb. At 10:35 am, the nine climbers proudly raised the Indian flag and sang the national anthem.
“It has always been important to me to live a productive and purpose-driven life. Time is life. Often I think people don’t make the connection between time and life. I see people living their lives as if it were a dress rehearsal for the final act. In fact, as I am getting older, I am very aware of the limited time I have,” says Hazari.
Anjali’s inspiring journey highlights her roles as a teacher, marathon runner, and mountaineer. Despite enduring three arthroscopies and overcoming various life challenges, her determination remains unwavering.
Throughout her upbringing, Hazari faced significant challenges, lacking the support and opportunities necessary to nurture her natural talents. After finishing her intermediate studies at Elphinstone College, she enrolled in Grant Medical College in Mumbai in 1974. Those years marked the most difficult phase of her life.
“I failed physiology practicals. During this time, my mother died by suicide. The frustration I experienced was criticized and used as a justification to denigrate my intellectual ability and my medical school fees were not paid,” she says.
Hazari shifted her mindset and took charge of her education. She became a biology teacher at international schools in Hong Kong, enjoying a fulfilling and successful career.
Her stint as a runner began post-marriage. Hazari, like many working mothers, constantly juggled a lengthy to-do list. As a result, she started to overlook essential warm-ups and strength training in her running routine. This neglect led to numerous injuries, including meniscal tears.
“I have needed two arthroscopies on my right knee and one on my left. The treatment in the 1980s, 90s, and early 2000 was to trim the meniscus instead of repairing it as is the norm today. Hence, I now have osteoarthritis on both knees, which brought my running career to an end,” adds her. Later, Hazari began his trekking adventures in the hills of Hong Kong.
Hazari is currently working on a book and intends to conquer several of the seven summits. She contributes a column to The South China Morning Post, focusing extensively on education policies and practices.
