INDIA: Seniors Celebrate Independence Day in Mumbai Suburb

MUMBAI (Planet Powai), August 20, 2006: Some 100 plus members of the ‘Senior Citizen’s Association of Raheja Vihar’ in Powai in north east Mumbai gathered on August 15 to celebrate India's 59th Independence Day in their own manner. Officials from Powai police station hoisted the tricolour. Almost immediately the rains showered as if blessing these ‘senior citizens’ for a long and peaceful life. The seniors took a pledge to carry forward the cultural heritage of India and live in harmony with others. Chief Guest on the occasion was Brand Guru Jagdeep Kapoor, also a resident of Raheja Vihar. Mr. Kapoor noted that "in a country of which 66% of population is below 25 years of age, people look up to elders for direction in life. Make use of your experience, share with the younger lot, give them ‘marg darshan’. ‘Stay on your path, Don’t stray’. Prof. Anand, President of the Rotary Club of Powai felt other senior citizens of Powai should also to come under the umbrella of this association which in 2005 was ranked third on all India basis by the ‘Federation of Aging.' Octogenarian Mahdev Kulkarni has helped nurture the association, stated Mr. Jagdish Joshi(66), Secretary of the Senior Citizens of Raheja Vihar Association. Mr.Joshi has been handling the association’s affairs ever since its inception six years ago. He listed some of its achievements. * This association of senior citizens has got permission of the regional transport authority for sharing auto taxis from Andheri railway station to Raheja Vihar. * It got the local cremation ground converted into a gas fuel based facility. A gas fuel based cremation costs Rs 250 compared to Rs 700 in case of traditional means. * This group of seniors gives scholarships to meritorious needy students and medical help to underprivileged in the vicinity. * Networking with doctors, the association helped save life of a poor person with a coronary artery by-pass surgery at Hinduja Hospital at substanially reduced cost. * Networking also helps members of this senior citizens association get a 50% off with some 40 doctors. Copyright © 2006 PLANET POWAI Alabama Multitech Private Limited