How Diver-Artist Uma Mani Began Exploring New Depths To Life At Age 45

Women often dedicate their entire lives to their families, especially children, making motherhood a big part of their personalities. However, when the children spread their wings and fly off to explore the world beyond the nest, mama birds are left with a sudden influx of free time and unanswered existential questions. One such doted homemaker, Uma Mani embarked on a new journey when her son enrolled in college. For the first time in many decades, the 45-year-old picked up a paintbrush, challenging conventions and embracing her individuality. The Maldives resident from Tamil Nadu used the mesmerising allure of coral reefs as her muses. For four years, Mani painted and exhibited her oceanic art despite never exploring beneath the waves herself.

That was until she enrolled on swimming classes to become a diver at the age of 49. While she was dissuaded by relatives from "taking risks at the age of becoming a grandmother," her resilience and the support she got from her husband and son pushed her to take a plunge into a new hobby, which is now one of her biggest passions.

Uma Mani: India's Coral Woman

Uma Mani was fond of art from a very young age but was told to put away her art supplies at a young age. After her marriage, Mani, an English Literature graduate from Madras University, moved to the Maldives in 2004 due to her doctor husband's transfer. She was a homemaker for years and loved admiring the ocean but from afar. However, at the age of 45, she got back into painting and showcased her art at many exhibitions.

A few years later, Mani learnt to swim so she could explore the ocean beyond the surface. Watching her infectious passion for the deep blues, Mani's son paid for her diving certification course as a gift for her 25th wedding anniversary. Reflecting on her first dive, Mani told Travel and Leisure India that the overwhelming experience did not go as planned. 

"My first dive was awful! I almost quit at the time, but since my son had already paid the entire fee for my PADI certification, I was too ashamed to quit," she said. Her instructor Yamin encouraged her to give it at least a few tries before making her final decision. Soon, Mani was too enthralled by the underwater world to dwell on her initial apprehension.

Mani recounted that she faced a lot of objections from distant relatives who told her that the sport was not meant for women or that she was too old to dive. However, it was her sheer love for the ocean and the unwavering support from her instructor, her husband, and her son that allowed her to push past the negativity. She received her Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification at the age of 49.

A Deeper Love 

Not only was Uma Mani mesmerised by the ocean, but she was also deeply moved by the stories that the coral reefs tell. A diver for over a decade now, she is championing the preservation of the underwater world and raising awareness about the devastating effects of climate change. Through her art, Mani is sharing her profound understanding of marine life and coastal communities.

Recently, Mani was also part of a documentary aptly titled Coral Woman, conceived by filmmaker Priya Thuvassery. The film maps Mani's journey as a diver and also opens discussions on her advocacy for endangered lives underwater. Mani also became the muse for the book Coral Woman by Lubaina Bandukwala.

Uma Mani's story is a testament to the fact that life's most remarkable chapters often unfold when we least expect them. Her journey from the familiar comforts of home to the depths of the ocean to educating the world about ocean preservation serves as a reminder that it is never too late to pursue our passions and make big waves in society.