May 13th, 2008 proved to be a lucky date for Dignitarians
of Bangalore since they waited 13 years for Dignity to come to their city!
Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, even Visakhapatnam and Jamshedpur…..but nowhere
was Bangalorein on the radar screen of Dignity Foundation over its 13 years'
of work for senior citizens in India.
"Thanks to ICICIPru that made 13th possible" said
Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan, President, Dignity Foundation, in her presentation
to the 300 strong audience who graced the event to bless their chapter
set up. "It
was due to the partnership commencement on October 2007 with ICICI Prudential
Insurance Ltd that helped us to identify Bangalore as the city to launch
the newly invigorated services called Dignity Second
Careers. ICICIPru
circulated all-India the news of the partnership to its customer base,
reading about which a leader emerged on the scene. N.B. Jayaprakash, one such
ICICIPru customer approached Dignity Foundation, Mumbai and expressed his
desire to bring to Bangalore senior citizens the benefits of Dignity services.
He took the trouble to come to Mumbai to go through the orientation and training
and became ready to launch the Network. Simultaneously, the partnership
combine decided to launch the new website www.dignitysecondcareers.org in
Bangalore. That lent a colourful start to the inauguration of the Dignity
Bangalore Network." said
Dr. Sheilu Sreenivasan.
Dr. S K Maini, Founder of Maini Group was one of the Chief
Guests invited for the Launch. In his address he spoke about the relative
usefulness of senior citizens in the emerging economy. With many stories he
regaled the audience with witty incidents.
Dr. Sudha Murthy, Founder, Infosys Foundation was another
Speaker for the occasion. It was in her hands that Dignity
Second Careers web site:
www.dignitysecondcareers.org got
inaugurated. After the online launch, Dr.Sudha Murthy addressed the gathering
in her simple lucid Talk about senior citizens' ways and mannerisms, punctuated
with real life examples. Not to want material things, to give up as many
desires as possible, to have least expectations from children are her prescriptions
for a peaceful living in old age.
The key to the successful launch in Bangalore is N.
B. Jayaprakash, designated
Chief Dignitarian of Dignity Bangalore Network. The Network structure is
prelude to chapter formation when a Core Committee of Management would
also be integrated into the leadership. JP is ably supported by a band of
friends who have turned themselves into Dignitarians offering crucial volunteer
help. Nirmala Srinivasan in her capacity as Compeer did a splendid job
of steering the evening within the allotted time period. We are glad to
announce the commencement of the following services shown in the box
Services at Dignity Bangalore Network
FOR SENIORS IN DIFFICULT CIRCUMSTANCES Dignity HELPLINE
Social support system for abused elders through counselling, police
help, legal help and other problem solving techniques.
Tel: 41511307
FOR SENIORS KEEN ON READING, KNOWING AND LEARNING Dignity Dialogue
The monthly magazine in English for Productive Ageing. Exclusive
publishing space for Senior Citizens to write and publish.
BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY -- ALL-INDIA
FOR SENIORS WHO BELIEVE IN DISCOURSE Dignity Dialogues-- Discussion Forum
Monthly interactive forum for discussing issues based on the magazine.
Celebrities, Writers, and commentators meet subscribers and members
to articulate issues of relevance to Senior Citizens.
FOR SENIORS IN ALL CITIES Voice of Dignity - monthly newspaper
Lobby and Advocacy newspaper for senior citizens all over the country.
Each month discusses a new topic with voices of seniors.
FOR SENIORS TO VOICE THEIR VIEWS IN A FORUM Voice of Dignity
Voice of Dignity is a forum for senior citizens of all classes and
cities to share their views about various rights, facilities and
conveniences they expect to receive from society. In an organized
fashion meetings take place in decentralized settings in Mumbai to
be emulated in other cities.
FOR SENIORS WHO WANT TO WORK AFTER RETIREMENT Dignity Second Careers
Job counselling and placement for retirees.
See www.dignitysecondcareers.org
FOR SENIORS WHO ARE LONELY AND DEPRESSED Dignity Companionship
Volunteers visit homes of the lonely, enhance existing human resources & networking
of seniors with their family and friends towards independence and
self-sufficiency.
FOR SINGLE SENIORS AND COUPLES
LIVING ALONE KEEN ON DISCOVERING & NETWORKING
WITH ONE ANOTHER Dignity Discovery
For loneliness mitigation among single elderly and couples living
alone -- fortnightly bus trips to scenic sites away fromBangalore.
Food Court and talent shows every month to cement bonds developed
during bus trips. Discovering each other and scenic sites are the
twin goals.
FOR SENIORS WANTING TO BE INTEGRATED WITH
THE INFOCOM REVOLUTION Dignity Computer Skills
Basic computer literacy at nominal charges. A 40-hour basic course
at the Network office premises. Starting August 2008.
FOR SENIORS SEEKING PROFESSIONAL ADVICE/COUNSELLING Seniors
Citizens Counselling Centre
The last stop for all assistance - legal, financial, tax, consumer
grievances, investments, insurance problems, medical references etc.
FOR SENIORS' RELAXATION AND ENTERTAINMENT Dignity
Evenings
Dignitarians spend time together pursuing matters of mutual interest
-- playing cards, carom, chess spelcraft etc. or simply chatting
with each other in mutual company.
FOR SENIORS AFFECTED BY DEMENTIA Dignity
Dementia Care
A Day Care Centre, Respite care at homes of dementia affected, regular
awareness building about Dementia and Memory Gym. DAY CRE CENTRE
AT JAYANAGAR.
Dignity Bangalore Network
N.B. Jayaprakash (JP) Chief Dignitarian
321, 41st Cross, Off 2nd Main
Jayanagar 8th Block
Bangalore - 560 082
MUMBAI HEAD OFFICE: Dignity Foundation, BMC School Bld, Topiwala Lane, Grant Road, Mumbai 400 007. INDIA.
Tel: 022-2389 8079; 022-2384 1845 Email: dignity@vsnl.comLocate Us
