They donned different roles, including that of a king, queen or a French citizen. Though the performance lasted only for a brief while, those were cherished moments for the elderly participants who put forward their best foot forward on the day dedicated to them.
Festive air swept through the hall on Tuesday as grannies and grandpas astonished the audience with their splendid performance while vying for the ‘Grandpa King and Grannie Queen 2007’ titles at the World Elders Day celebrations organised by HelpAge India. Amid loud cheering and applause from the audience, the elders took to the stage with the same excitement evident in children at their first stage performance.
With their meticulous selection of costumes and portrayal of the characters, they made it a tough for the judges to select the winners.
Royal couples from France, England and ancient India synchronised their steps to the music, shedding their inhibitions and overcoming the limitations associated with old age.
A few teams dressed as newly-wed couples received several rounds of applause for their dialogues. But the winners, Douglas Ross and Rita Kilu, dressed as a royal couple from England, stole the show.
The senior citizens from 25 old age homes in the city also exhibited their talent in group dance and fancy dress competitions. Many senior citizens in the audience danced to popular film tunes, much to the delight of the student volunteers and the other guests.
Governing body member of Helpage India and former chief election commissioner T.S. Krishnamurthy said the senior citizens yearned for care and affection and not just sympathy. He highlighted the activities of HelpAge India in geriatric health and care. He later honoured the winners of the various competitions.
Southern regional director of HelpAge India Indrani Rajadurai said the organisation was involved in various projects such as cancer detection camps and awareness programmes on Alzheimer’s disease. About 4,000 free cataract operations were performed in Tamil Nadu this year. It also provided free training in geriatric care. The elders’ helpline in Chennai, 1253, has provided assistance, including legal and medical, to 3,330 senior citizens in the past two years, she said.
Chairperson of Vishranthi Charitable Trust Savithri Vaithi, Sri Krishna Sweets managing director M. Murali, film actors Lakshmi and Kuyili participated.
Source: http://www.hindu.com/2007/10/03/stories/2007100360300200.htm
Forget yourself for others, and others will never forget you.
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