Inputs from Anita D'Souza (GA) - Pics - Praveen Tauro Kulshekar
Mangalore, Apr 1: Senior citizens are the wealth of the society. However it is a pity that in the present scenario most of them are neglected and abandoned by their own children. Parents, who slogged day and night for the better future of their children, often find themselves in some Old-age Homes, Day-care Centres etc during at the sun set of their life.
Here, the institutions which come forward to take care of these elderly people need to be appreciated. When children do not have time and patience to look after their parents, these institutes house elderly parents of hundreds of such children. At times it is a thankless job, but the social workers and those who are connected with such institutes work with dedication and commitment to cater to the needs of these elderly couples who are treasures of experience, knowledge, love and care.
Vishwas, founded by renowned social worker Olinda Pereira is a best example of such institutes. It has been rendering yeoman's service to the society almost silently. A number of aged couples as well as singles come to the day-care centres run by the institutes and spend their day with so many others who come there. The smile on wrinkled faces of these elderly persons is a result of the commitment and dedication of Olinda Pereira and her staff.
On Saturday April 1 a gathering of the senior citizens was held in the premises of Vishwas Centre. More than 30 senior citizens from the day-care centres at Bendore, Bijai and Valencia, run by Vishwas were present on the occasion. The broad smiles on their faces conveyed a silent message that they feel at home at Vishwas.
Group discussions, interactive sessions, spot games etc were conducted for the gathered. Sufala Kotian of Community Medicine Department of KMC delivered a brief lecture on "Mental Health of Elders and Adjustment in the Family."
Noted yoga teacher Narasimha Rao detailed the gathering on yoga and acupressure.
The programme was inaugurated by Olinda Pereira, founder director of Vishwas. The programme began with a prayer by Victoria. Anantkrishna, a MSW student of Karavali College welcomed the gathering while Gururaj, MSW student of School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya proposed the vote of thanks. Babita D'Costa, MSW student, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya compered the programme.
Founder director of Vishwas Olinda Pereira, School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya lecturer Juliet, Vishwas members Clotilda Fernandes and Lizzy Pereira were also present on the occasion.
Social workers Anita D'Souza, Felcy Pinto, Jovita and Shrilatha were also present on the occasion.