Gondia event at old-age home urges youth to make time for elderly, talk to them

Gondia, 14th: Few people in today's hectic life ask after others with affection and warmth, and the elderly often have to face loneliness. It is therefore important to make time for them, talk to them and treat them with respect, said District Social Welfare Officer Bharati Warudkar. According to her, the way to live comes to us from our grandparents.

As part of the Seva Sankalp campaign, a special programme for senior citizens was held at the old-age home of the 'Savli' urban homeless shelter at Civil Lines, Gondia. Warudkar presided over the programme. On the dais were My Bharat Deputy Director Saurabh Nishad, District Information Officer Anju Nimsarkar and Afreen, coordinator at St. Xavier's High School. Shwati Vaidya and Vihaan Motkure were also on the stage.

Warudkar said the initiative being run for senior citizens at the old-age home under the Seva Sankalp campaign was commendable. A person keeps learning something until the last breath, she said, so it is important to keep the elderly happy, talk to them and give them emotional support. Ideas are exchanged among people of the same age and minds meet. One who has friends in life is never alone. If loneliness begins to be felt in old age, it is necessary to take up hobbies one likes. Hobbies keep the mind happy and make one's outlook on life positive.

She appealed to young people to visit old-age homes whenever they have time, meet the elderly and talk with them openly. It is everyone's responsibility to treat all senior citizens, including their own grandparents, with respect.

Nimsarkar said the campaign was an effort to bring happiness and fresh cheer to the faces of the old-age home's residents. She said the main task of the District Information Office is to publicise government welfare schemes widely so that they reach the last section of society. Spending time with the residents and talking to them from the heart can help share their joys and sorrows, she said, adding that such programmes give them a sense of belonging.

My Bharat Deputy Director Saurabh Nishad spoke about the role of the My Bharat office in taking information on various Central government schemes to people. He told students to study well and make their parents proud. He asked everyone to resolve to look after their parents so that they never have to live in an old-age home in their old age. He also appealed to young people and students to make a significant contribution to the country's development. Afreen, coordinator of St. Xavier's High School, also spoke.

During the programme, students of St. Xavier's High School sang melodious songs to entertain the elderly. Student Prati Usha won everyone's heart by dancing to a song. Nimsarkar also sang the song 'Man ufanti hawaon ka, raaz baarish ka...'. The faces of the residents lit up with the songs, music and cultural performances. The initiative conveyed a message of respect, sensitivity and social responsibility towards senior citizens.

On the occasion, dignitaries planted saplings on the premises of the Savli shelter's old-age home at Civil Lines, Gondia. Nimsarkar introduced the programme. Sub-editor Kailash Gajbhiye conducted it and Tushar Urkande proposed the vote of thanks. Savli shelter head Lokesh Patle and Pravin Hedau of the My Bharat office worked to make the programme a success. A large number of St. Xavier's High School students were present with the elderly residents.