Uncertain is the future!

An incident, again, that made me think about many who live a life of uncertainty.

Recently, when I was travelling by metro, I overheard an old man talk on phone. I guess he was talking to his son. The man was quite old, his clothes were a little tattered…but I think he tried to put his best clothes on for that day. He couldn’t even stand and he was carrying a bag, which I guess were gifts or goodies for his son’s family.

He was desperate to reach his destination and meet his son. But, his son was in a hurry. The old man tried his level best to make his son wait for him and he kept calling him from inside the metro several times…saying “beta…main aa raha hoon. Tum kahi jaana mat. Mujhse mil ke hi jaana..” (son…I’, coming, don’t go anywhere. Don’t leave without meeting me..”).

Time was passing by quickly and his worry was increasing by every passing second. He was just 2 stations away, when the phone rang. He didn’t speak a word. He just cried. Hands shivering, trying to wipe off tears and hide them. He didn’t want anyone to see his pain. It was evident…his son had left, without meeting him.

The incident left me questioning this selfish world. How can a son not wait for his father, who is old and travelling far off just so that he could meet his dear son?? How can a son, whose father loves him so much, leave his father all alone at this point in life??

But this is the reality. Young men and women do not have space in their homes for their old parents, who made them what they are today. Such is life.

Do we have a little space in our hearts for the elderly destitute?? Can we spread a little cheer in their lives??

To reach out to elderly destitute log on to http://www.helpageindia.org/

Experiencing Mixed Emotions!

Since the moment I decided to be a part of HelpAge India, I can’t stop recalling the day I visited one of HelpAge India’s centers.

I was in 8th standard then and our school took us to an Old Age Home (supported by HelpAge India). We saw how people lived there and what they did during the whole day. I was also escorted to an old lady’s room, so that I could interact with her and understand the way the inmates lived there.

Initially it was weird…the room wasn’t well lit and I was all alone with a complete stranger. I didn’t know what to say to her. In fact, she could sense the awkwardness that I was experiencing, so she took the initiative to begin the conversation. She told me that she belonged to a very well off family but stayed at the Old Age Home because her family “Did Not Have The Time” to take care of her. Shocking isn’t it?? She could barely see then… so she held my hands during the complete conversation. She also told me that I was just like her grand daughter and before I left, I promised to always keep in touch with her…

But I didn’t :(

I feel bad that I did not fulfill my promise. I was a kid then. But now, I’m all grown up…who can take care of herself, her family as well as the ones who are in desperate need of assistance and care.

So now is the time to do something about the lost opportunity…now is the time to donate and support the disadvantaged elderly, both, financially and spiritually.

http://www.helpageindia.org/


Cheers!

2010 - Let's make it special

Life is uncertain but deeds live long. My life is fairly simple, nothing extraordinary...but before I merge into the ashes I’d want my name to live long in the memories of many. And this New Year, I have decided to support the ones in need. By donating a part of what I earn to Support-A-Grandparent Programme (Help Age India).

I was inspired by my friend, Nikhil. He transformed the life of a destitute widow, Dukhi Tanti who had no family, financial or social support. At the age of 73, with 8 children to take care of, she decided to take help from Help Age India. Nikhil donated for Support-A-Gran Programme and through the very same programme, Dukhi Tanti got a place to live and a regular access to monthly ration, medicines, clothing, etc. Moreover, she got back her lost dignity.

Looking at this, I too feel why not make this year much happier and wonderful for ourselves as well as for others!!

2010 – Let’s really make it special.
(http://www.helpageindia.org/donate-support-grandparent.php)


Cheers!