The Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam president, Narain Sami Gounder, could not hold back tears when he served lunch for the elderly at the Sangam Hall in Belo Street, Suva.

The visit was part of the TISI Sangam Convention theme: Year of the Elderly. It was an emotional experience for Mr Gounder.

“Unfortunately my parents died when I was very young. I don’t have any elderly alive at the moment. My parents and grandparents died and I feel very emotional and I feel very proud today that I am able to serve these elders,” he said.

“It’s a privilege for only some people who have a chance to serve,” he said. “I feel very privileged to serve these elderly people here today.”

His message to younger generation of the country is to provide love, care, support for the elderly.

“People who are not supporting their elders are missing out on a lot. Do not forget the sacrifices our elders made in your upbringing and it’s not easy to bring up children,” he said.

The elders, mostly of South Indian community, gathered for lunch at the Sangam Hall Belo Street in Suva yesterday.

Mr Gounder, while hosting the programme, said the lunch extended every year and has been part of the convention for five years.

He said the event reminded him of his ancestors who had lived among them during their early days.

“We should respect, appreciate and promote that our elders because they are the most active people and we should respect them because good morals brings good people and it all begins at home,” he said.

Mr Gounder thanked the Mudliar family in providing the assistance to prepare the meals.

The South Indian dishes like fish, goat and dried fish curry, idli, khatta bhaji, paisam, upma, rasam, avil, mint chutney, roti, naan, karuwaru were prepared for the elders visiting.

The annual Sangam convention, which started last Friday, ends tomorrow.

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