INDIA: Seniors Sashay Down the Ramp

Mumbai (The Hindustan Times), February 12, 2006: If you thought only young women with hourglass figures could sashay down the ramp, think again. Citizens above 60 joined youngsters on the ramp at a fashion show for senior citizens organised by Mohan Parab of the Poinsar Gymkhana in Kandivli on February 10. Parab's 75-year-old mother inspired him to organise the fashion show. "I always thought that something should be done for senior citizens. After my father passed away, my mother would be lonely. Involving her in some activity became important," he said. When he floated the idea of a fashion show for the elderly the idea was met with laughter. However, a member of the managing committee of the Gymkhana encouraged Parab to undertake the project. The fashion show received a huge response with over 150 applications flooding to participate. The criteria for selecting the "models" was simple: Senior citizens who wanted to do something radically different from their routine. "We dedicated the show to those who always wanted to do something different in their lifetime but never could due to family life," Parab said. Seventy-one year old Suhasini Sawant took home the first prize. "Being old fashioned, I was a bit reluctant to take part. But my son, daughters and daughter-in-law encouraged me,", said the proud grandma. The second prize went to N.G. Bhatt (66).