Chapters of a Beautiful Life
Early Life & Childhood
Sunayana Florence Mathias came into the world in Udupi on August 23, 1948. She was the youngest daughter of Salvador Nicholas Mathias—who later retired as the Principal of Christian High School, Udupi—and Hannah Sulochana Mathias, a dedicated homemaker. Sunayana was home-schooled during her early years, only stepping into a classroom for the first time in the 6th grade when she joined Christian High School.
She grew up in a classic, bustling farm household, surrounded by cows, buffaloes, hens, cats, dogs, and even a horse-drawn carriage at one point! Milking cows and working out in the fields became a major part of her favorite childhood memories. Growing up with eight siblings meant life was anything but quiet—it was always lively, exciting, and full of energy. Plus, being the baby of the family meant she was naturally everyone’s absolute pet.
Education & Career
After finishing school, she joined Poornaprajna College (PPC) for her Pre-University Course and later moved to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial (MGM) College for her Bachelor of Science degree. Next up was a trip to Dharwad to pursue a Master’s in Physics at Karnatak University. This was a massive achievement for a woman back then, especially since she was the only female student in her specialization, Nuclear Physics!
Sunayana was deeply inspired by her school Kannada teacher, Mr. Subbaraya Acharya, and genuinely wanted to become a teacher herself. But even though teaching was her dream, she respected her father’s wishes and took a clerical job at Syndicate Bank instead. She didn’t let that stop her from aiming high, though; she worked incredibly hard and climbed the ranks to become a bank officer. Her career took her all over the region, with stints in Hubli, Dharwad, Belgaum, Kittur, and Saundatti. In 2001, she decided to wrap up her banking career and took voluntary retirement.
![Sunayana's family gathering photo](https://sunayanawalters.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/wedding.jpg")
Marriage & Family
While working on her postgraduate degree at Karnatak University, she met her late husband, Mr. Manohar Harris Walters. He had completed his Master’s in Chemistry and was teaching at KMC, Manipal. As it turned out, he was also a distant relative! With their parents' blessings, the two tied the knot at the Basel Mission Church in Udupi. They set up their home in Dharwad, where Manohar started teaching at Kittel College. Together, they raised two wonderful daughters, Suvarsha and Spoorthy.
Sadly, Manohar passed away in 2001. Sunayana stayed on in Dharwad for a few more years. However, once both of her daughters got married and moved out, she found herself longing to be closer to her roots, family, and childhood friends in Udupi. So, she packed up and moved back to Udupi to settle into a peaceful, well-deserved retirement.
Today, she is the proud grandmother of three granddaughters: Arunima, Anumita, and Anayah.
Faith, Writing & Service
Growing up with deeply devout parents, Sunayana's childhood was filled with prayers, singing, and stories of faith. Her mother, who was the daughter of Rev. Paul, had grown up around German missionaries and often shared incredible stories of miracles, healings, and deliverances that left a lasting impression on young Sunayana. Her father was just as involved, serving as an active member of both the church and the choir. In their house, people of faith were constantly dropping by.
That strong faith became Sunayana's anchor throughout her entire life, carrying her through every struggle, challenge, joy, and heartbreak. It truly was the rock she stood on. In her retirement, she turned her energy toward her faith, writing and translating Bible-based articles and books. For over a decade, her articles were featured in the Kannada monthly family magazine, Thutugalu. She also lent her talents to translating well-known English books into Kannada, keeping her mind sharp and her spirit active.
At 78 years, she continues to be active in her faith, participating in Church activities, Bible studies, Bible Quizzes and enjoying her golden years with family and friends.