Old-Timers of KMC Nava Chaitanya Celebrate ‘Republic Day’ in Zest & Revelry
Mangaluru: “Ageing is not ‘lost youth’, but a new stage of opportunity and strength”- Betty Freidman; ” Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it does not matter”- Mark Twain; “Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young”- Henry Ford-these thought-provoking quotes by eminent persons show that there is no age limit when you are capable of having some fun and want to party. And for that matter the “Young and Energetic” vintage revelers belonging to KMC Nava Chaitanya-Attavar, Mangaluru, a Day Care Centre Exercise (Physical-Mental)’ Yoga, and Recreation, Cultural activities etc unleashed their hidden talents even at this “Ripe but Still Young” age during the Republic Day celebration held at KMC Hospital Attavar Sushrutha Hall on Friday, 26 January 2018 from 10 am onwards.
These Vintage Revellers” simply rocked and enthralled the audience, with their talents of singing, dancing and acting. Everyone celebrates India’s Republic Day, but here at KMC-Nava Chaitanya, there is a Difference- for the fact that the Elders as Young as 60 plus to 80, still can Dance, Sing, Act, Joke and Thrill you with no end. A rare and emotional Republic Day 2018 was celebrated with zest and zeal, and in sheer revelry by the “Young elders” of KMC -Nava Chaitanya.The energetic “Youth” ranging from 60 years to 85 years in age ,rejoiced with radiant inner energy.They danced, sang, joked, recited freedom poems, and performed skits, putting the teenagers way behind. The credit for all the activeness of all these grandmas and grandpas should go to Dr. Prabha Adhikari, the founder of KMC (who just retired from this post last year) -Nava Chaitanya and the Soul of the movement – Indeed a health promoting group for senior citizens.
Yes, the Seniors know how to be punctual – An energetic gathering of Seniors of Nava Chaitanya assembled at the KMC Hall in time, and the programme began at 10 am sharp with invoking God’s blessings through a prayer song, followed by welcome address by Ms Kusuma Naveen Rao- the president of KMC Nava Chaitanya. Inauguration of the programme by lighting the lamp was done by Chief Guest- Lilaksha Karkera-MD of Namma Kudla TV, along with other dignitaries on the dais namely- Dhananjaya -Finanace Executive at KMC Hospital-Attavar; Dr Sheetal R-Director of KMC Nava Chaitanya; Ms Kusuma N Rao, and Surendra Bekal-Secretary, KMC Nava Chaitanya.
Addressing the gathering Dhananjaya said that he was unnerved in the presence of huge achievers to be the chief guest, yet would love to grow old with these members. He complimented the yeoman service and care that is provided by KMC Chaitanya to its members, who are able to keep their life healthy through exercises and diet. Seeing all these young members in their vintage age who were active, means there is still fun in life at a older age, he said. He also assured full support from KMC towards the activities and growth of Nava chaitanya, because a organization that was founded to benefit and keep seniors healthy and active should not be neglected as directed by KMC Hospital Medical superintendent Dr Anand Venugopal.
Chief guest Lilaksha Karkera admiring the enthusiasm and energy of the Seniors said, ” Its nice to note that even at this age our seniors citizens are contributing a lot to the community. We need to appreciate the efforts put in by KMC Nava Chaitanya in providing a platform for these elders so that they can exercise, involve in various activities and lead a healthy lifestyle. We also need to appreciate what our parents and grandparents have done to us, and be thankful to them. My one humble request for the elders is that they should bring along with then their children or grand kids for programme like these so that they can learn a lot from their seniors. When my parents wanted me to give back to Tulunadu, I came up with an idea to start Namma Kudla TV, where I have been highlighting the activities and talents of Tulu community and others, thereby taking the name of Kudla to greater heights locally, nationally and Internationally. I have done my part, and I feel proud of it”
Annual report of KMC Nava Chaitanya was read by Kusuma Rao, followed by picking the lucky winners present at the function through lucky draw, where Geetha Rao and K Rajeshwari Kamath were the winners. In the perfect attendance at the exercise class lucky drawing, Ms Uma was the winner. Husaain Baji briefed about the organization, while Rita Rodrigues compered the event. The vote of thanks was proposed by Secretary Surendra Bekal. “And Alfie of Mangalorean.com is always a special guest who has brought KMC-Nava Chaitanya close to Every ones heart by his reporting from the Heart and we should be thankful to the team of Mangalorean.com who has always supported the Seniors activities by giving wide publicity” said President Kusuma Rao, by handing over a flower and memento.
Following the formal programme, the cultural entertainment kicked-off with various performances in the form of singing, dancing and skit showcased by the members of Chaitanya. Kudos should go to Narmada- an ECG Technician at KMC Attavar for her excellent choreography and direction in getting these “artists” give their best performances. A job is well done, Narmada! The rare and energetic celebrations, cutting across all divides halted after devoutly and proudly singing the national anthem.
Concluding with my perspective, in today’s civilized social structure, it is disturbing to see a trend of senior citizens being deprived of their comforts, particularly by children being indifferent to their aged parents at a time when the parents need parental care most. It is to look after such orphaned aged persons and also those senior citizens who need help managing their health, that some service-minded organizations like KMC Chaitanya and Mangalore Alzheimer’s Association have come forward to render their yeoman service in giving comfort, advice and love to these old-age citizens.
