Ms. Triptha Malhotra (Broadening Narratives)

Description

Triptha Malhotra (b. 1948, Punjab) is a retired teacher currently living in Sugar Grove, Illinois. In this interview, she reflects on her childhood in New Delhi, her early education, and her life with her father and siblings following the early death of her mother. She speaks of the pressures her father faced raising a young family, as well as his support and encouragement of her pursuing teaching as a profession. Malhotra studied at Lady Shri Ram College in Delhi and went on to pursue a career in teaching, beginning at R.M. Arya Girls’ School in Connaught Place, New Delhi. After her marriage in December 1970, she relocated to Chandigarh, where she taught at the prestigious St. John’s School. She describes her deep interest in literature, poetry, writing, and general knowledge, and recalls how much she loved teaching, often singing Hindi songs with her students and writing and performing in Hindi and English plays. Malhotra speaks fondly of her husband and their two sons. After losing her husband in 2018, she experienced a period of depression, after which her sons encouraged her to move to the United States to live with them. She recounts her experiences at the Naperville Senior Center, including reuniting with an old friend. Spending time at the center helped her gradually rebuild her confidence and overcome her depression, while forming close friendships. Teaching English and American general knowledge classes there, helping friends prepare for citizenship exams and supporting others in navigating cultural and language barriers has given her a renewed sense of purpose. She also speaks lovingly of her grandchildren and the joy she finds in playing with them and teaching them Hindi songs.