A sanctuary for senior souls
July 2013
President Barrack Obama holds the view that when you help somebody it creates a beautiful memory. This shapes your life and gives it meaning.
Swinging seniors step to the beat (inset: Vinubhai Valia) By following the same principle, Mr. Vinubhai Valia has brought smiles and cheer to the lives of thousands of senior citizens.
Through his NGO, Pushpa Maa Foundation, set up in the memory of his late wife, Shri Vinubhai Valia has set out to mitigate the problems and loneliness of the elderly. His vision was to set up an enrichment centre or seniors club where senior citizens of the locality could come together to keep themselves entertained and have their problems addressed. Mr. Valia started with a centre in Dada Dadi Park, Veer Savarkar Marg, Borivali, and then set up two more branches in I.C. Colony and Sonewadi, Borivali. All the three centres have a membership of over 7,000 for a token contribution of Rs.102/- for life membership.
The members are provided with a welcome drink – tea/coffee/soup daily on arrival at the centre. They have also been provided with recreational facilities such as chess, carom, television, music and even a small library with different kinds of books, magazines and newspapers. Housie games are also played. Yoga classes too are held for rejuvenation. Thanks to these facilities, they eagerly look forward to their daily visit. Many members consider it to be their second home.
Once a month, there is a celebration of all the members whose birthdays fall on that month. Each member is individually felicitated and wished with a birthday card and cake. The party is followed with old songs and melodies of yesteryears. It is a pleasant sight to see seniors, both men and women, merrily swinging, dancing and singing. The centre also invites doctors of various specialties to monitor the health of the members. A small effort has made a considerable difference to the elders of that locality. Why not borrow a leaf from Mr Valia’s book and implement this initiative in your area?
Contact: L K Baweja
lilakrishan@yahoo.co.uk
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