An 82-Year-Old’s Journey of Wonder.

Life often feels like a colossal book with many chapters, and for an 82-year-old, those chapters are filled with fascinating stories and evolving technologies. Imagine a vibrant child seated at a wooden desk, diligently scratching on a slate with a piece of chalk. That child was me, and that humble slate marked the beginning of my adventure through the world of learning and gadgets.

In the early days, the slate was a gateway to endless possibilities. It was simple yet magical—each chalk stroke was a new letter or number, a stepping stone into a vast sea of knowledge. The classroom echoed with laughter and the occasional “oops!” as a chalky finger inadvertently smudged a hard-won equation. I remember the first time my teacher praised my neat handwriting (incidentally, it’s no longer the same; I can hardly read what I write now!). It felt like climbing a mountain—an exhilarating triumph!

My early encounter with the pencil was anything but friendly. While my cousins effortlessly sketched circles and whimsical characters, I struggled to form even the simplest shapes, leading to fits of frustration. To add to my woes, I seemed to have a knack for breaking pencil tips at the most inconvenient times. It was clear that I wasn’t destined to be an artist, and I spent more time dodging the embarrassment of my drawing skills than embracing the joy of creativity.

Eventually, my writing journey took a positive turn when I was introduced to the nib holder pen used for calligraphy. However, this transition came with its own set of challenges—it seemed I had an unspoken agreement with ink bottles to decorate my clothes with blue splatters. Thankfully, the arrival of the Pilot pen was a game-changer: no more ink spills and far more elegant writing! Though I flirted with ballpoint and dot pens, nothing felt quite as right as using an ink pen, particularly the fancy international brands. After all, that seemed more fitting for a professional accountant like me! I believed that pencils were for those uncertain about their words—I was destined to wield something far more sophisticated!

As I progressed through life, the slate was followed by the typewriter—my father’s prized possession, which I inherited. Oh, what a revolutionary moment it was! The elegant clack of the keys offered a satisfying rhythm to my writing. I wrote letters, essays, and even my first attempts at a business report. Each page rolled off the typewriter, imbued with the scent of ink—a blend of artistry and technology that felt like magic. Mistakes, though common, were met with a gentle ‘white-out’ or a new sheet, adding to the charm of this clunky machine.

Fast forward to the advent of personal computers in the late 20th century. I still remember the dazed expression on my face as I watched the unwrapping of the first desktop in my office. It looked astonishingly futuristic, with its bulky monitor, 8-inch floppy disks, and a tower that hummed with life. The onset of the internet was like opening a window to the world—I could connect with others and access mountains of information at my fingertips. I still remember my first dial-up connection and the first email I sent. My skills evolved, and I embraced the opportunity to learn something new every day. I became the ambassador of technology in my circle, teaching my friends how to send emails and navigate this brave new world, often punctuated by laughter as we stumbled through our latest blunders. I recall Ctrl + Alt + Del being my savior whenever I managed to mess something up and had no idea what to do next!

Now, as I sit in my comfortable armchair with an AI-enabled laptop, I find myself in awe of how far we have come. This sleek device is more than just a computer; it is a companion that understands my requests, weaves stories and even assists me with gentle reminders. Writing has transformed into effortlessly typing messages that can be sent across the globe in seconds. I can chat with loved ones, stream my favorite shows, and search for anything that piques my curiosity, all with simple voice commands.

The transition from slate to laptop encapsulates a lifetime of adaptation and wonder. It is a dance of progress, showcasing humanity’s unyielding desire to learn and innovate. Now, I can ask about the weather, delve into history, or even find the perfect recipe for a famous roast—all at the speed of light!

Of course, there are moments when technology leaves me scratching my head. “Why does everything keep updating?” I ponder, only to crack a smile when a glimmer of cleverness strikes. I bounce back, determined to learn the next big thing, cheering on the evolution. Ageing alongside technology is a fascinating experience. Learning is not without its rewards—I traveled twice to the USA to receive international awards, to China when conference attendees gathered to quiz me on how we did it (those were the days!), and even faced a crowd to read a technical paper in Paris.

In reflection, life is a beautiful embroidery stitched together with our experiences, challenges, and technological marvels. The joy and wonder of my journey—from the humble slate to the sophisticated AI laptop—have made my years rich and fulfilling. As I write this, I embrace the future with open arms, eager to see what adventures and discoveries await just around the bend.

Anand Peter