VISHWA VARKARI PARIVAR – 02nd and 23rd January 09

Gita Vishwanathan from Vishwa Varkari Parivar conducted Abhang classes for our members. The classes explained the meaning of each Abhang and the Bhav(feeling) with which they are to be sung.

"UNWANTED EFFECTS OF COMMONLY USED DRUGS" – 09\01\09

Dr.Chandra, Pharmacologist, explained to our members the ill-effects of drugs taken over the counter and how one should avoid take drugs without a prescription. She explained in detail the effects each of the commonly taken drugs, have on us.

CELEBRATION OF SANKRANT – 16\01\09

We at Chai Masti celebrate all festivals with great zeal. To celebrate Sankrant, each of our members brought Til Laddoos and shared them with each other. The basic idea of celebrating these festivals is to encourage bonding and also learn more about different customs and traditions practiced in India . Each of our members talked about the how they used to celebrate Sankrant during their younger days and how they celebrate the same today. It's really wonderful to hear their experiences.

CHAI MASTI BRIDGE TOURNAMENT – 20 & 21 ST JANUARY 2009

We organized our 3 rd internal Chai Masti Bridge Tournament for our members. This tournament is generally held a month prior to the Dignity Open Bridge . It gives our members practice and prepares them for the big Tournament which follows.

The tournament was inaugurated by Mr.Anand Dalal, who has always supported the Chai Masti club and especially our Bridge tournaments. The winners of the internal tournament were

1 st Pair – Ratnakar Shah and Victor Lobo

2 nd Pair - Uttam Gianani and Fakruddin Rawat

SKIN CARE IN THE ELDERLY – 06\02\09

A talk on Skin Care in the Elderly was conducted by Dr.Rachana Fadia. As one ages, there are a lot of problems related to the skin which one faces. What type of Special Skin Care one must take as one ages was the main aim of the talk.

MANSAROVAR YATRA – 10\02\09

Mr.Persi Rustomjee, a Chartered Accountant by profession, and a friend of one of our members, had undertaken the Mansarovar Yatra a year ago. He shared his experience with all the members through photographs taken at every point of the Yatra. A very difficult yatra to undertake, not many people can complete the yatra. He explained all the details in such a way that members who had always wanted to go to Mansarovar but as it is very difficult expedition to take on, were not able to take it but experienced it right from our Chai Masti room.

PRIZE DISTRIBUTION OF VARIOUS COMPETITIONS HELD IN THE LAST 6 MONTHS(AUGUST 2008 TO FEBRUARY 2009 BY SENIOR INSPECTOR, MR.NAGAPPA MALI ON 13\02\09

Competitions are the life of Chai Masti. Every month we have innovative competitions in which our members join with great fervor and relive their childhood. Winning in the competitions and giving their best performance, gives them all immense satisfaction, yet maintaining the spirit of Chai Masti.

We organize a lot of competitions every month and to motivate our members to participate, we give them prizes at the end of six months at the hands of some celebrity or important personality.

DIGNITY OPEN BRIDGE TOURNAMENT 22 nd February 2009

The 3 rd Dignity Open Bridge Tournament(Under the auspices of Maharashtra Bridge Association) was played on 22 nd February, 09 at the Swastik League Hall, Girgaum.

The game of Bridge has become the 50+ group and we found that a lot of husband wife pairs playing the game.

From across Mumbai, around 14 pairs participated both Dignity members and professional players participated in our tournaments, in 2 sessions, starting 10.00 am to 5.30 pm .

The tournament was inaugurated by Mrs.Hema Deora, who has always been a great source of encouragement for our participants. Being a National & International Bridge player herself, she is a great inspiration to our players to sit through the tough sessions and more so with her sponsorship of four “Rolling Trophies” to the winner of these categories:

1 st Pair North – South

2 nd Pair North – South

1 st Pair – East-West

2 nd Pair – East West

We are really proud to share with you that our Chai Masti Bridge Players won two of the four awards. Both the pairs won the 2 nd place

Mr.Shirish and Mr.Karve – North South

Mr.Victor Lobo and Mr.Ratnakar Shah – East West

The cash awards for the winners were sponsored by our Trustee Mr.Ashok Modi

We are really happy to note that our Chai Masti members are really taking the game seriously and can compete with regular players.

DIGNITY PASSIONATE COLLECTIONS EXHIBITION 5 TH , 6 TH AND 7 TH MARCH 2009

Our 4 th Passionate Collections Exhibition was held on 5 th , 6 th And 7 th March 2009 at the Tejpal Hall, Grant Road . Chai Masti remained close on these 3 days as our ever ready Chai Masti members volunteered to work with our Exhibition participants on all the 3 days, helping them setup the stalls, learning about each of the collections so that they could explain about the same to visitors, safe guarding the stalls. It is a great experience for both the participants and the volunteers. Dignity Foundation has always promoted “Productive Living” for the 50+ and the exhibition and volunteering is all about “Productive Living”. Click Here for Details

ARTIST MOSES GUDHINO DEMONSTRATED "SURPRISING ART INSIDE A BOTTLE" ON 10 TH MARCH 09

A very unusual artist Moses Gudhino enthralled our Chai Masti members with his extraordinary art inside bottles of various sizes. Very intricate details of scenaries, maps of the world and many more fascinated everyone. He also demonstrated how patient one has to be to create his wonderful art.

NEEDLE WORK COMPETITION ON 13\03\04

We hold various competitions at the Chai Masti centre. Though enjoyment is the basic motive behind doing so, there are many more reasons also for holding competitions like spreading awareness, keeping the members mentally and physically fit, learning different art and crafts etc. The Needle work Cross stitch competition had a good response with around 18 participants including 5 men, trying their best to give very neat results. Many of them succeeded. Their enthusiasm is really what keeps us organizing such competitions.

"ONE CAN BE HAPPY EVEN IF HE IS OLD AND LIVES ALONE" 17\03\09

Mr.Soli Bamji, an octogenarian member of Dignity Foundation, shared his secret of being happy and content with life even though he has been living all alone for the past 17 years, after he lost his life partner.

“LAUGHTER COMPETITION” 18\03\09

As we all know that “Laughter is the best medicine” so we at Dignity Chai Masti believe in this saying and one can actually feel and see it. Every week for the last 4 years Mr.Atmaram Torne has been coming to our centre to take a Laughter session. The importance of Laughter is rising every minute as it is the easiest way to releasing stress and hence we decided to conduct a Laughter Competition which proved to be an instant success. We invited Mr.Kishore Kuvavala who conducts Laughter Sessions at Nana Nani Park , Priyadarshani Park , to judge the competition. We had a wonderful 2 hour competition in which Mr.Kuvavala had organized 3 rounds. Each round had 3 different laughter rounds. The response was just fantastic with around 28 people participating.

TRADITIONAL DAY CELEBRATION 24\03\09

Taking our members back to their college days was the idea behind organizing the Traditional Day. During their college days there was nothing like a Traditional Day or a Rose Day, infact, some of the members may not have attended college.

Each of the members had to come dressed in their Traditional Finery and also talk about the traditions they follow. The Best dressed as well as the Best speaker was declared the winner.

SUDOKU SOLVING

As a part of promoting Brain Longevity, we encourage our members to keep themselves mentally active always. Whenever they have time they should keep solving puzzles, crosswords and these days the most popular is the “SUDOKU”.

We introduced solving the sudoku at Chai Masti and it has become practice with our members to solve the Suduko on every occasion they have the time.

Rose Day for 50+ 1 st April, 2009

A special day of expressing Love was organised for our members. The main aim behind organizing this event is to let our members experience the moment which they had not experienced in their college Life. On the same Day we had asked our male members to say Shayari while presenting Rose to our female members and vice versa.

Consumer Awareness 17 th April, 2009

Mr. Bhandare and Mr. Patil a representative from Consumer Guidance Society spoke about Consumer Awareness, its Characteristics and the other marketing P's (Place to buy, Price and Promotion).

Their talk and demonstration created Awareness which made the members aware of their Rights. They told that consumer have to be aware not only of the Commercial ID aspect of sales and purchase of goods, but also of the Health and Security aspect.

They encouraged our members by saying, if any members find themselves at the way end of purchase don't just sit back & blame, go to a Consumer Court and make your claim.

Chaitra Haldi Kumkum 21 st April, 2009

We organised a Haldi Kumkum in which our members participated. A celebration which satisfies the feminine needs to dress up in Haldi Kumkum It was a great get-together organised by Women for Women. Members joyfully, had the fruits and vegetables of the season and had a feast of the year.

Nutrition and Diet 24 th April, 2009

Dietician/ Nutritionist Rutu Dave spoke about General diet for the Elderly. Tons of ailments were taken at a time after which there was a great discussion about the same.

Her talk was very simple to follow which gave an overwhelming response from our members. She gave an appropriate diet plans to the members. Finally she provided an addendum by saying ‘Eat what suits you and in a good Mood'

Birthday Celebration for the Elderly 28 th April 2009

We organise a Birthday Celebration at the end of every month in which our members participate . The members celebrate one more year of a precious life with a memorable Birthday Party. We have got everything to make it perfect from decorations and favors to gifts and themes ideas.

Healthy & Happy Lifestyle 6 th May, 2009

Mr. Ravi Dixit, Yoga teacher and Deputy Secretary of Kaivalyadhama spoke about Practice of Yoga. His talk was very simple & easy to follow in our daily life. He told Never retire but change gears because “Change is the only constant” in life.

Dr. Joshi spoke about Diet. He told diet should be “Satvik” Food intake should be “Mitahar” (50% food+25% water & 25% empty) Mr.Minoo Jokhi known as human calculator of International Fame spoke on Memory Development. He is simply amazing personality who can remember tables up to 1 crore.

Unusual String Painting 12 th May 2009

Colour and Tone are the essence of painting as sound and pitcher are of music. Mr. Prashant Shetty dubbed as Chitra Mitra exhibited his paintings at our office which conveys spiritual and devotional messages through nature. The Theme of his paintings was Ramayana, which was presented in a beautiful manner.

Some of his paintings talk about women and their experiences. His technique of painting with strings was simply mind bobbling. He robbed the heart of every member by drawing caricature of one of our member. No other painter has captured the essence of Indian Culture as Chitra Mitra.

Cardiovascular disease, Obesity and Diet Requirement 13 th May 2009

Ms. Anagha Palekar a Dietician at B.Y.L Nair Hospital spoke about obesity, cardiovascular and Diet requirement. She highly recommended loosing of weight should be slowly and correctly. She guaranteed that the faster one loose it, the faster it will come right back.

She told Cardiovascular is any exercise that elevates your heart rate to a range between 60 to 85 percent of your maximum heart rate. Cardio training has numerous health benefits. In addition to burning calories and loosing fat, it strengthens your heart and lungs.

Laughter Competition 3 rd June 2009

Laughter Competition was organised at Priyadarshani Park . It was conducted by Mr. Kishore H. Kuvavala who is the Chairman of Priyadarshani Laughter Club International. He made us realise the tremendous power of laughter and its efficacy as the best prescription for wellness.

He said you don't need a sense of humor to laugh. Anytime is a good time to share a laugh. Members enthusiastically participated in the Competition. All of them were rolling with laughter. He had taught our members how to inculcate the positive energy from the power of the Sun.

Visit to the Jehangir Art Gallery , 5 th June 2009

We have visited to the India 's most famous Art gallery and a tourist attraction The Jehangir Art Gallery. There was an Exhibition of Unusual Finger Paintings by Mr. Alex Rodriques. The Paintings sparked the eyes of our members.

Mr. Alex Rodriques said, “I like painting with my fingers. Getting my hands into the colours is exciting and feels good. It is a remarkable paradox that this most ancient of art forms is relatively new and unexplored in the ‘Western World'. Painting with fingers is more important than many think, especially when you are just beginning to learn to draw with your fingers.

Diabetes Diet in Dept, 9 th June 2009

C ontrary to what you may have heard, there is no " diabetes diet ," and that's good news! We have organised a talk on Diabetes Diet by Mrs. Rutu Dave, Nutritionist at our office. The foods recommended by her for a diabetes diet to control blood glucose (or sugar) are good for those with diabetes and everyone else. This means that you and your family can eat the same healthy foods at mealtime. However she said, for people with diabetes, the total amounts of carbohydrates consumed each day must be monitored carefully. Most people with diabetes also have to monitor total fat consumption and protein intake, too.

Craft Demonstration, 16 th June 2009

We have organised Craft Demonstration conducted by Ms. Jayalaxmi Ramakrishnan at our office. Her Art & Design made an enduring contribution to the cultural, economic & social regeneration. She said, “I was very leery about my own potential, but I still strove constantly to better my craft”.

She showed us economical yet creative way to make Lord Ganesha. She made Ganesha using paper, rice, sugar and Dal. She said Crafting is one of the most interesting hobbies one can enjoy. Many adults enjoy different types of Crafts such as Sewing, Knitting, and scrap booking. This area of interesting crafting could be very significant when future innovators are educated in the spirit of the new curriculum.

Visit to St. Peter's School, 19 th June 2009

Our Visit to St Peter's School was great. Our experience was genuine sharing of wisdom and mind boggling experiences. The school children took time to entertain our members through their performance and made our senior members more active. This way they established a relationship with our senior members.

Our members really enjoyed the programme and appreciated the efforts taken by the school children. It was an awesome intergenerational experience we had on that day.

Dadar Inauguration, 3 rd July 2009

A new Dignity Chai Masti Centre @ Sadguru's is inaugurated for Companionship, Relaxation and Enrichment at Dadar, C/o. Sharada Classes, Pearl Centre, Ground Floor, S.B. Road, Mumbai- 400 028. Inauguration was done by Prof. Satish Pai & Actress Tanuja.

It is just the replica of our Grant Road Chai Masti Centre.

Talk on Power of Mind & Dealing with Fear, 8 th July 2009

We have organised a talk on Power of Mind & Dealing with Fear conducted by Dr. Jimmy Modi, Psychologist & Hypnotherapist. He showed us the way to use the power of our mind and Subconscious mind to create success, happiness and more.

He made us understand that we always have a choice about how to respond to and deal with fear. He said another key to dealing with fear is in understanding your relationship to it. You have, for lack of a better term, a little voice inside you that wants you to go ahead. He showed Practical & Spiritual solution to use Power of your mind and dealing with fear.

Little Champs- Singing Programme by Children, 15 th July 2009

We have organised a singing programme by children conducted by Mr. Sheshnath Pawaskar. We thought a number of children coming into a programme for 8-10 years old will shy away from singing and will not be able to sing in tune, but the children astonished us by the way they sung.

Talk on Stress Management, 4 th August 2009

Talk on Stress Management was conducted by Dr. Muneerah Kuraishi. She said, “Using self talk that is optimistic rather than pessimistic has Stress management benefits, productivity benefits and even health benefits. Positive thinking helps with stress management and can even improve your health”.

She concluded by saying that the mind is the next realm frequently in need of stress management strategies.

Fancy Dress Competition, 18 th August 2009

We have provided our members a platform to showcase their talent and get involved in Fancy Dress Competition. Our office was teemed with beaming faces of 19 senior citizens who stole the limelight on that day. Get old; get happy was the message given out loud and clear by our two judges Mrs. Ranade & Mrs. Adhikari on that day.

Prize Distribution, 19 th August 2009

We have organised prize distribution at Y.M.C.A., Grant Road for the various competition held from February onwards. We organize Prize Distribution on various events like sit & draw competition, Dictation & handwriting etc in every six months. Such small get-together gives our member new hope, new strength and new joy. All of them were enjoying the snacks together followed by the prize distribution.

It was heartening to interact with them at the prize distribution.

Talk on Will & Trust, 4 th Sept 2009

A talk on Will & Trust was conducted by Mr. H.V.Kamdar. He emphasized on topic for and about senior citizen including retirement, health, housing, taxes and travel. One question was bothering each and every senior citizen and that was Should every Senior Citizen have a Will? Mr. Kamdar Replied very well to the question by saying “Of course that really depends on each senior situation. If you have little or no estate, may be you can get by without a lawyer-drawn written will”.

The entire session was very much interesting and cleared all the doubts of our members.

Talk on Prostate Problems, 30 th Sept 2009

A talk on Prostate problems was conducted by Dr. Rishikesh R Padya, Uro Oncologist/Urologist. More than a session it was an Awareness. It explained that Prostate problems are among men above 50 years. He pointed out to the ignorance that early Prostate Cancer has no symptoms. If you wait for symptoms it may be late as the cancer spreads and then causes symptoms.

He also assured that early prostate cancer in the absence of symptoms can be detected and completely cured. Hence do not wait for symptoms, get detected early and treated.

Sandhya Aarti Thal Competition, 9 th Oct 2009

Indian Festival of Rakshabandhan, diwali, any Holi pooja or worshipping of god is done, we use this thali. An Authentic piece which has everything in it. We had organised Aarti Thal Competition in our office. The Thal was either of steel, brass and copper. Every member tried their best to decorate the Thali. Many of them used ghee and spread it gently over the thal and sprinkle some Kumkum over the thal.

They beautify the look further with flowers. Made spaces for placing the divas and finally lighted the divas which completed the look of the stunning looking Aarti Thal.

Twins Competition, 20 th Oct 2009

A completely new and innovative competition was organised for the 50+ at our office. A competition in which a couple must dressed up as Twin pairs. They were told to be innovative which would make them look alike.

In all 10 pairs participated for the competition their creativeness was really mind-boggling. The pair of lovely looking twins was dressed up with similar looking clothes to look their best when they were together. A pair of beautiful twins was a mirror image on each other.

Changes in our Behavioral Pattern, 21 st Oct 2009

A session on Changes in Behavioral pattern was done by Mrs. Seema Chandiramani. Can a Nudge change a behaviour pattern? How subtle changes affect our decisions? This was the questions which was there in each and everyone's mind.

Mrs. Seema Chandiramani explained that the answer lies in what happens in the brain. She explained what it takes to change behaviour pattern, how to master the skills and how to change negative behaviour pattern. She said family behavior patterns are passed on from generation to generation which has either good or bad influence in our life.

She concluded,” If one wants to change one's performance, one must have to “rewire” the neural network that enables the old behaviour pattern.

Talk on Stress Management, 18 th Nov 2009 :

Talk on Stress Management was organized at our office and was coordinated by Mr. Shekhar Navare. The session started with the importance of positive approach. He said when you are practicing stress management, you will learn how to control your emotions so that people won't think of you as an over-reactor, but you will also be able to control your mind to stay positive. With a positive attitude any task can be completed and on time. He said Stress management is as simple as taking a walk. It was been proven that physical activities would improve a person's mental health, help with depression, and relieve the side effects of stress. You should try to exercise at least three or four times a week

The session was concluded with few meditation exercises. By the end of the section, we had a clearer understanding of stress and the importance of managing it; All our members understood how to use a range of different stress management techniques.

Special Day to encourage Bonding & Interaction with the Grandchildren, 20 th Nov 2009 :

As Grandparents have long been heralded as important influences in the lives of children, we have organized a special day to encourage interaction between grandparents and their grandchildren at Y.M.C.A. ( Grant Road ). Grandparents Day had a rocky start. Our members participated in recreational games organized for them on that day. The games were such that it can be easily played by the aging people. A heart shaped card paper was given to each of our member and they were asked to write a special message for their grandchildren. After the message was written, the card paper was cut into four pieces and the grandchildren were asked to join those pieces and read the message which was written for them on their grandparent's heart. A Grandparents Day speech is a nice idea! Grandchildren wrote a special speech for their grandparents, highlighting their importance in their life as well as the values, and principles they have passed on from generation to generation. This Special day of Grandparents helped make the day a memorable one.

Time out at SK Patil Garden , 23 rd November 2009 :

Our members love to visit garden and often, many of them become very involved in the ambience by laughing and doing meditation.

Gardens and their ornaments are symbols of enchantment, of mystery, of meaning, and of ultimate being. Another way of looking at this is to see that gardens and garden accents provide the power to transform one's mood and one's life. They played “Standing Kho”. There was a condition to play this game and that is, they have to jog and not run to catch other person. From their enthusiasm we can make out they all were looking for ways to add significance, peace of mind, a quality experience, and an escape from the "rat-race" in their lives.

Fun Activities, 8 th December 2009 :

In this fast-paced world, it's surprising there's time for young students to attend classes, do homework, take part in extracurricular activities, and still manage to relax and have fun with family and friends. Yet despite busy schedules, many young people are concerned about what's going on in their neighborhoods and communities, and are looking for ways to get involved.

Interactive, intellectual as well as fun games were organized by the students of Mumbai University . Although the efforts of one person may seem small, every act of service can have an important impact on someone ... and millions of individual volunteers can create a revolution of sorts. All of them robbed the heart of our members by their cheerful and amiable nature.

Family Portrait Competition, 11 th December 2009 :

A Family photo showing portrait of one or more people in the photo was organized at our office. A family portrait is one of the most important things you can have in your home. While your life changes around you, it's so nice to have a permanent reminder of your family at a specific time in your lives. But the competition held at our office was something unusual. In all there were 6 families of diverse religion who participated in the competition. They all were given 2 minutes to frame themselves in a photo that is to composite in such a manner that it should look like a family portrait. This was followed by a small skit which was performed by each group. An innovative competition in which all our members participated actively.