Open Doors

Meet Pushpa Kulkarni

Ana Carolina González-Peña • August 08, 2024

“I first came to Princeton in 2004 from South Africa, where I had been teaching mathematics. My journey began when my son, a professor at Princeton, needed help with his three young children. I packed up and left South Africa to take care of my great-grandchildren. My husband, who was a professor in upstate New York at SUNY, always encouraged me to pursue my education. After raising my children, I went back to school and earned my master’s degree in mathematics.

My life has taken me from India to South Africa, and even to Nepal, where I taught English and mathematics. The children there called me ‘American mom,’ and I helped finance their education. Seeing them succeed and become doctors and teachers is one of my greatest joys. When I arrived in Princeton, I lived with my son until his children went to college. Then, I bought my own apartment near the Suzanne Patterson Building.

I joined the Center for Modern Aging a year after moving here. The first program I participated in was ‘Let’s Talk,’ and I’ve been involved ever since. What I love most about the Center is its inclusivity. Unlike other senior centers that restrict membership based on residence, Princeton’s center welcomes everyone. It’s a place where I’ve found community and belonging. My only suggestion for improvement is to keep doing what they’re doing — creating an open and welcoming environment for all older adults.”

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Your generosity is truly the fuel that empowers CMAP to change lives and to help older adults discover their “why!”

We invite you to donate to the 2023–2024 Annual Giving Campaign by June 30 to help us reach our goal.