by Anupama Kumar (9811023603)
Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter!’
These words prove true for the members of the Forum for Welfare of Senior Citi-zens as they braved inclement weather to turn up in large numbers on the rain washed Sunday morning to celebrate their 26th Annual Day on the 9th October 2022. There was an air of excitement and gaiety as one stepped into the auditorium at Balwant Rai Mehta School, GK-2, to partake in the celebration. The venue resounded with the happy and cheerful chatter and laughter of all assembled there.
The programme began with the traditional lighting of the lamp by the Forum veterans. This was followed by the reading of the annual report by the Forum Chairperson, Mr. VK Gauba. He recounted the long and ardent journey that the Forum has undertaken to come a long way from being a tiny centre to a full-fledged set up at present boasting of a membership strength exceeding 450 seniors. The participants observed a minute long silence to pay their respectful homage to those members who left for their heavenly abode in the last one year. Mr Ashwani Kapur read out a message from the UN Secretary General on the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons dated 1st October. A key takeaway of the message was the bolstering strength of the senior citizens that is likely to cross 1.4 Billion globally by 2030.
Recognizing their valuable contribution to the society, the Forum bestowed upon its dozen odd members who have newly attained super senior citizenship the honour of recognition by presenting them with a shawl each. Dr Veena Kapur and Mrs Sneh Gauba worked zealously on preparing a Souvenir for the occasion that was launched during the event. The morning thereafter progressed with a Dandia dance performed by a few beautiful, vivacious and spirited ladies that was much appreciated by all. The auditorium was filled with rhythmic applause as they swayed gracefully to the melodious beats of the Gujarati folk song.
An interesting and keenly awaited highlight of the event was the foot tapping songs sung by Sanjana Bhat, the finalist of the popular television music show Sa Re Ga Ma Pa, as she captivated the audience with her rich and soulful voice. She sang popular melodies from the past that literally cast a spell on the audience, who not only sang along with her but also danced on her numbers.
Mr Ritesh Kumar, SHO CR Park Police Station, graced the occasion with his presence and enthusiastically participated in the celebrations. It was heartening to witness the energy and enthusiasm that flowed through the senior citizens in organising and conducting the programme.
