The complete life, the perfect pattern, includes
old age as well as youth and maturity. Old age has its pleasures, which though
different, are not less than the pleasures of youth." This is something
which we realized when we visited an old age home, Kinara at Nigdi with few
students of class I and II on 8th October, Tuesday.
We found two categories of people there: the ones who were
abandoned and deserted by their families and others who were physically
disabled and mentally disturbed. Whatever the case may be, the sufferers were
the aged ones. Old age is also called the second childhood, and is a time when
one needs love and care of the near and dear
Before this, our children had never been to an old age
home, so we were wondering what would it be like. The inmates were very
hospitable and friendly, and they welcomed us with their beautiful smiles. To
break the monotony of their lives, we presented few songs, which included
Saraswati Vandana, followed by 4 patriotic songs presented by the children of
all the 4 houses. Few children also presented a dance show on the theme of
rainy season. The children also made them sing and dance along with them. The
children then presented the residents, whom they addressed as dada , dadi, with
greetings, biscuits, flowers , pen stands, hand-made boxes etc. We were able to
make out that they were very happy to have us there.
Mrs Preeti, who runs the home, was overwhelmed and said
that the children had come with a lot of preparation, enthusiasm and with good
intentions.
. Though we spent only a few hours with them, they made us
realize the value of our grandparents and the tenderness with which we need to
take care of them.
The children realized that love for their family,
particularly their grandparents has grown stronger and deeper.
Opportunity words and loved ones — once gone, they never
come back!
-Mrs.
Sushmita Mahesh Kulkarni
-Mrs.
Shikha Agrawal
