The Rotaract Club of Jai Hind College went for its annual visit to an old age home.

As we stepped into the living area of ‘Our Lady of Piety Home’, we saw 20 people, sitting at a table. Their eyes looked tired and empty, void of all emotions. They greeted us with a faint smile. After the introduction, we started off with the cake cutting.

Later, we presented them with a card that we had made for them. Next we started with a small entertainment programme that we had put up for them. The residents bubbled with energy, as they shook a leg with us and hummed to the tune of evergreen songs! It was a different kind of satisfaction altogether, to hear their joyous laughs, their toothless smiles and hushed giggles. So contrary to when we first saw them. The very purpose of the visit had been achieved.

We had an interactive session next, where we heard them as they poured their hearts out to us. Tears welled up in our eyes when we heard how Ms. Christina still clung to hope, that her son would return from the United States and take her with him. We laughed as Mr.Parera told us about funny incidents from his childhood. Mr. Doolan told us he went to KC College. He told us how things were during his times. His nickname is Donald and he loves the cartoon too. We were all awestruck when we found out he was a state level hockey player. Ms. Christina said she loved cutting vegetables and cabbage was her favourite! Ms. Rosy is fluent French speaker; she was the liveliest of all!

We bid farewell. The visit left a deep impact. A deep impact on our conscious, and on us. We were more sensitive than what we were when we arrived; sensitive towards the elderly. The visit was an epiphany. Each one of us was determined to obdurately stand by our parents and elders, through thick and thin. The residents at the old age home had motivated us all with their hankering hearts and unwavering hopes.

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