Whatever you may say about senior citizens, the fact is they are a vulnerable lot. Irrespective of whether they are staying in a family or alone, many feel alienated especially if the spouse is gone.
Two years ago, I brought their trauma to LB Gautam’s notice. Him, because he had some steps done for the senior citizens. He brought it up during association meetings. From here on, our efficient President Manikesh took over.
It was arranged that every month there will be a get-together in Club3 to commemorate senior citizen’s birthdays falling in the previous month. A karaoke idea too came up.
I have attended the three get-togethers held so far, the last one being on Saturday, 1 March. It was nice to see the golden people strolling in, one on a wheelchair! It was the spirit that counted. There were snacks served with tea and a sweet box as a gift to everyone present.
Besides, pre-Holi colours, flowers and petals added to the gathering’s flamboyance. It was fun to see the August crowd dancing with abandon and sprinkling colours over each other. The surroundings were joyous, complemented by the ambience.
Then, a cake crafted especially by home baker Sargam Agarwal was cut by the delighted golden birthday boys. It was a delightful evening. Free. At the AOA’s expense. The man who took all this to fruition was present and in a ready to serve mode too.
You guessed it – it was Manikesh, who is endearing himself by the day as President, accomplishing things. With Ashutosh and Praveen’s assistance, he was serving the seniors in every way. The senior citizen community felt touched by this gesture.
It was not just lip service. Manikesh’s care showed on ground. He was supervising tea and everything else. He was everywhere, inside the lounge and outside too. However, I regret to say that it is we, the senior citizens, who failed to recognise this event.
AOA expected at least 50 people. Only half that number showed up. I would request every senior citizen to come next time. Much food goes waste every time. You have nothing to lose except your loneliness.
