It was an event that showcased the importance of giving back to the community, and it was a day of happiness and joy to the elders and children when the Festember Social Responsibility (FSR) team of the National Institute of Tiruchi conducted “Vatsalya”, a social outreach programme for the less privileged people, at Annai Ashram here recently.
The event aimed at bringing the elderly and the children together saw the participation of a large number of them.
Just as the team from Festember neared the event place, children came rushing out in excitement. The hall was filled with the children’s laughter and an aura of joy was in the air. Even the elderly had a feeling of youth in them.
The inspiring speech of Kalyani, head of the Old Age Home, did bring joy to everyone present.
Proceedings were started with a small game that paired an elderly individual and a small child.
They had to talk for five minutes and then share what they learnt about each other. Every pair had wonderful things to say about their partners and it was a great ice breaker.
One member of the old age home got so into the spirit when she went on to say that she felt as if she was 18.
Next, there was a cultural show that started with a Mohiniyattam by Mamata V. Kumar, a student of NIT-T, which was appreciated by everybody present. Jheel Pandya, also from NIT-T, gave a beautiful rendition of popular Hindi songs that got the children dancing. Even the elderly joined the fun by singing.
There was a fun session of hand printing that the children and elders thoroughly enjoyed.
Beautiful and colourful Rangoli patterns were then designed by the people from the home.
Everyone then gathered for a cake cutting celebrating the 60 anniversary of Annai Ashram.
