Kerala's septuagenarian couple enjoys being active: What keeps them fit?

Kannur couple EV Govindan Nambiar and his wife, Rema G Nambiar, believe in the power of poetry, art, music, and spirituality. 76-year-old EVG, a former financial assistant, retired from the Water Department 20 years ago, and Rema retired 14 years ago from Elayavoor UP School, Kannur, as the headmistress. Today, they are regulars at most cultural and spiritual events in the district, either as speakers, participants, or even singers! For instance, if EVG is a speaker at an event, one would find Rema singing the event's prayer song. Apparently, they had decided long ago that after retirement, they would lead an active life. Here's how they celebrate their life and stay fit. 

Busy after retirement
EVG began his post-retirement career as a service consultant before training government employees. He also became active in the social and cultural events held in Kannur. Besides, EVG, who was the president of the Mahatma Mandiram in Kannur, was an office bearer of many organisations, including the library, music sabha, theosophical society, and Kathakali club. He even learned Kathakali under Guru Chemencherry Kunjiraman Nair for some time. He had to give it up as he got busy with other work. Interestingly, it was EVG who named the Kathakali Club in Kannur. 

No age for music
Rema, who had decided to learn music after retirement, became a disciple of Cherthala Santhosh Kumar. Now, she actively sings in concerts. In fact, she would be busy with concerts every day during the Navratri festival. Both EVG and Rema also find joy in giving talks at spiritual gatherings. They conduct Ramayana recitals at temples during the sacred month of Ramayana. EVG and Rema actively participate in charitable events and are environmental activists as well. Their elder son, Girin Govind, is a leading Art of Living promoter based in Bengaluru. Girin, who is an engineer, quit his job to pursue his interest in spirituality. Meanwhile, their younger son Rigin Govind works at Infosys in Bengaluru. 

Secret of their fitness
What keeps them energetic and active even in their 70s? The couple says it's their participation in cultural events! “The most amazing advantage of taking part in such events is that you can listen to unique and inspiring ideas every day. You get the energy to last a whole day,” says EVG.