On International Day of Older Persons, we meet a few spirited senior citizens, who choose to spend their retired years dedicating themselves for the greater good of fellow Mumbaikars
Beena Tamse feeds a person with intellectual disability at the organisation
Few readers would be aware that today (October 1) is International Day of Older Persons. Interestingly, despite not being the focus of attention often, many elderly persons go out of their way to lighten up their years of retirement with personal or social initiatives, where they play significant roles in making their surroundings and society a better, more inclusive place. The Guide reached out to three such senior superstar Mumbaikars.
Pure contentment
One of Beena Tamse’s poems from her collection. Pics courtesy/Beena Tamse
It is not an everyday task to work closely with several mentally-challenged youth and children. Beena Tamse does it anyway. The 65-year-old from Powai, does a weekly visit to the Aashay Bahuudeshiy Samajik Sanstha in Badlapur, and dedicates plenty of her time and effort towards caring for nearly 13 children in the space.
“I usually take various items along, from food, books and toys to educational materials and aids. Along with a few others, we help these youngsters with their daily activities,” she explains to us. “We also organise birthday celebrations, read with them and teach them. These youngsters are older than they look, due to their congenital growth issues; they will forever stay that way, so why not help them live a good life and develop them as people of this society?”
Members at a birthday celebration at the community centre
What the sexagenarian gets out of this is, in her own words, pure contentment. Her recreational pastimes include painting and writing poetry, the latter being a way of expressing the depth of her thoughts. “[My mantra is] that we must keep spreading goodness, and give back to society in some way, as that’s what we have come here for,” she signs off.
Participants at a session held to spread awareness on Alzheimer’s Day (September 21). Pics courtesy/Senior Citizens’ Association
All for one
This 73-year-old, along with his contemporaries, has proved that the elderly can be more self-sufficient than we think. Major (Retired) Arun Shiriskar, founder-chairman of the Senior Citizens’ Association, in the RTO Area of Andheri West, says the organisation, which currently has 228 members, was founded in 2013 to gather all the senior citizens of the area, creating a community for celebration, mutual support, and provision of resources during times of need.
Volunteers help seniors at a digital literacy workshop
“We arrange functions twice a month on various topics, like health, retirement finance, tax savings, literature, festivals and special days like International Alzheimer’s Day on September 21, for which we held a session with a psychologist on the 24th. We even celebrate all the birthdays per month as a collective celebration,” he illustrates. Additionally, he has opened a community hall, where seniors may come to read, play board games and even sing karaoke. “It’s a way to prevent boredom or loneliness that elderly people often feel in this age, especially as [many members] live alone, away from their children, and need connection and affection.”
A drive conducted at the Airport School, Vile Parle for children from low-income homes (right) Natasha Shrimal
Smiles for children
Appointing the mindset of the iconic Outlaw of Sherwood Forest, Natasha Shrimal, 62, regularly volunteers at Robin Hood Army, a zero funds organisation providing welfare resources for the underprivileged. Though her mobility is restricted, owing to a knee surgery three years prior, she remains active as a food banker for the organisation through her contributions towards underprivileged children.
Major (Retired) Arun Shiriskar
“Robin Hood Army is an important part of my life. It’s a very nice experience to do something for those who need support. Often, I contribute to these children via food, clothing, and any other items they require from us,” she informs us. “We especially try serving healthy homemade food, including puri, sabzi, fruit, idlis, chutney, and sweets such as halwa and cake.”
Participants at the Anand Mela, held by the Robin Hood Army. Pics courtesy/Natasha Shrimal
She has also participated at a drive conducted at Airport School, Vile Parle East, teaching children between the ages of two and 15. Further, she participates in other drives, such as gathering adequate drinking water for anyone needing it in the scorching sun and heat, such as truck drivers and traffic police.
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