Aaami aar paari naa (I can’t do it any more). Kintu aamra sobai aapnake shunte eschi (But we all have come to hear you). A little bit of prodding and she obliged. It is remarkable how well this inmate of Nabneer Old Age Home at Chetla, Kolkata can sing even at the ripe old age of 74. Aapnader ke dekhe khub bhalo laglo (It is very nice to see you all) Mrs Geeta Sarkar was teary eyed to see the members of Anavi. Her stay at the Nabneer Home has been sponsored by Anavi. She feels she can never thank us enough. We think that it was only a very small gesture on our part and we can do a lot more.

A special Diwali lunch had been organized by Anavi for the inmates of the Nabneer Old Age home. Our association with this institute has been an old one and besides sponsoring the stay of one of the inmates, we regularly visit this home. Visit here are always special but this time around the visit was a lot more special, not only because this was around the auspicious occasion of diwali but also because we had invited two talented young singers.

Gayatri, who is from Chinmaya mission and Mirande Shah, entertained the audience of close to a 100 inmates with their wonderful rendition of classical songs which were thoroughly enjoyed by everyone. What’s more, it even prompted the oldies to join in and participate. Something they hardly get to do nowadays. “I feel young again, it is just like the good old days when we would get together and have a great time with friends”, said one septuagenarian.

Lunch comprised of special parshe fish, two varieties of vegetables, rice, daal and chutney. Vegetarians had a specially prepared Paneer dish.

“We will not forget this Diwali for some time”, said one of the inmates. With their failing memories, some of them might not remember us when we visit them next, but the members of Anavi and their family members who were present will definitely remember this particular Diwali lunch for a long time to come. We left with their blessings and good wishes. It was one of the best Diwali gifts that we could have asked for. .

This was one of the major works that Anavi has taken up. As we grow older (we are in our third year now) there are more people interested to join and contribute and it is through their blessings and prayers that we have been able to come so far.