To help
lonely elders mitigate their loneliness, bus trips ply every
fortnight in Mumbai - an
ongoing project set up by Dignity Foundation in September 2004
.
The idea is to help the lonely elders discover
each other and places of interest. Lonely elders who are susceptible
to depression and dementia are particularly to be targeted
by the project towards which Rs.10 lakhs was being donated.
In memory of his loving
parents, Prof.Harish Sujan, Professor of Marketing, Tulane
University, New Orleans, USA, has set up a Fund of Rs.10
lakhs in Dignity Foundation for the exclusive use of services
that will help relieve loneliness among the elderly.
During their India
visit in July 2004 Harish Sujan and daughter Ayesha approved
the project details worked out by Dr.Sheilu Sreenivasan, President,
Dignity Foundation in line with the wishes of the family. The
project was launched at a Get Together in July 2004 at the Cooch
Bihar Hall at the CCI Club premises, Churchgate, Mumbai.
Under this programme,
every fortnight, Dignity Foundation, Mumbai, runs a Bus
Trip to a place nearby Mumbai with about 50 people on board.
Only those people who live alone either single or as couple
are eligible to go on the trip. A full day programme of
fun,games, food and an interesting outing is arranged with
a view to help them build a network around themselves.
The fortnightly
trips are followed by a Food Court once a month whereby for a
full day such members will find an opportunity to make friends
again. The trips cater to people of different localities each
time.
Knowledge based
surveys and fact findings are also undertaken during such trips
to elicit various facets of the life of the elderly, to be made
available in published form to academics and practicising professionals.
Prof. Harish Sujan's
idea of helping the lonely elderly was inspired by the loving
company his parents kept with each other till their end.
Soon after monsoon
was over, fortnightly trips have been taking lonely
elderly to scenic spots like Ganeshpuri, Chota
Kashmir, Magnotape Studios at Chandivli etc at
just Rs.10 per trip with breakfast, lunch and tea
provided free during the trip. The trip starts
off at different locations everytime. Members are
free to call and sign up for the trip with Kamlesh
Soni 022-23885090..
Every fortnight 50 Older
Persons from one locality are taken on a bus to
a nearby resort. Food and games are arranged for
all picnic members.
Expenses
A daylong picnic for the
Elderly - Rs 12,000 including cost of bus, food,
games, prizes.
Ideal project to commemorate
the memory of your loved one.
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
