When Dr. Shyamalendu (who also goes by the name Sam) talks about happiness, he doesn’t mention his tenure as a physics professor or awards won. Instead, he tells a story.
A few years ago, one of his nieces needed surgery she couldn’t afford. Shyamalendu stepped in to cover the expense.
“She was surprised, but of course she was very grateful,” he says. “And I derived a lot of pleasure out of it.”
Now 87, Shyamalendu has learned that some of life’s greatest rewards come not from what we receive, but from what we give.
“Giving is a great thing,” he says. “I have followed that philosophy as much as I could in my life, even when I was a student. When I could save extra money, I would send it to family members who were not in such a good financial condition.”
Generosity is universal
Born in Bangladesh and raised in India before settling in the United States, Shyamalendu has traveled extensively throughout his life.
The breadth of his international experiences only strengthened his sense that generosity and connection are essential to happiness. Whether he was moving across the globe or backpacking across Europe as a young student, he found that meeting people from different backgrounds proved that kindness and generosity are universal virtues.
“You learn a lot from going to different places,” he says. “Your outlook widens. You meet some interesting people – and you might be surprised how helpful people are when you need it.”
Generosity creates its own happiness
Throughout their 61 years of marriage, Shyamalendu and his late wife, Romola, made a habit of sharing what they had with others. Every year, the couple set aside part of their income for charitable causes. They also looked for opportunities to help relatives, friends and anyone else in their life facing difficult circumstances.
“We had the greatest friendship,” Shyamalendu says of Romola. “We could understand each other. We could communicate.”
For Shyamalendu and Romola, generosity was never about recognition. It was about knowing that a small act of support could make a meaningful difference in someone else’s life.
Generosity helps us stay connected
Though retired, Shyamalendu continues to share his wisdom through his kind and caring presence. Many of his greatest joys come from spending time with family, nurturing friendships and being available when someone needs support. After moving to Manhattan to be closer to his sons and grandchildren, he finds those connections have only become more meaningful.
“Have conversations with your friends,” he says. “Have fun with them. Go out for dinner and lunch. Just stay connected.”
In his new home at Atria West 86, Shyamalendu lives by his own words of wisdom, routinely lighting up a room when he walks in for dinner and events.
“The best way to make and keep friends,” Shyamalendu says, “is to be generous with your time.”
In celebration of Atria’s 30th anniversary, we’re sharing Pearls of Wisdom from the wisest people we know – the residents in our senior living communities, who have navigated every chapter of life. Visit AtriaPearls.com to browse an archive of their advice and gather even more wisdom.
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