BANGALORE: It was a scene right out of 'Lage Raho Munnabhai' and memories of the ‘Second Innings’ house flashed every now then as 33 senior citizens, orphaned by the society, went on a day trip to Mysore recently.The seats on the bus occupied by senior citizens, aged between 70 and 80 years, they sang long-forgotten Kannada folk songs and Rajkumar’s songs with zest that defied their age.Organised by Helpage India, residents of Ashakta Poshaka Sabha in VV Puram were treated to a heritage tour —A dream come true for some and revisiting memories for others. From Dariya Daulat Bagh and Chamundi Hills to St Philomenas Church, Mysore Palace and Brindavan Gardens, they showed enthusiasm to experience it all despite the failing health and energy levels.Like in the case of Suvarnamma, who found it difficult to walk around at Brindavan Gardens but did not want to miss out on any sight. At another place, she tearfully told the others that the Goddess Chamundi appeared life-like to her. Naive statements like these brought smiles on everyone’s faces. “I’m not only reliving moments, I’m also enjoying the best moments of my life. There is no question of being tired for they made efforts for us to enjoy and that is encouraging us an giving us energy to move,” said P R Srinivas after singing along with others the national song Sare jahan se acha.At every spot, the women shopped, mostly for an endless bunch of bangles, while the men sipped away hot beverages and passed inevitable jocular comments on shopping.Amidst all this, one could see a person, Parasuram, keeping to himself but walking fast towards the various destinations. On enquiring, he said, “We are not usually permitted to go out of the gate due to traffic problems. Hence, this trip is refreshing. I feel like I’m doing things I had done when I had a workshop back in Vijay Nagar.”Subbaiah, who instantly got popular for smiling constantly, said, “I don’t think I can forget the last time I came here. This time I’m with a different group of people and I know I am in a different time and situation now. But, I just feel so happy and I’m constantly reminded of the past.”Programme manager M Prakashan said, “Organising this trip cost us around Rs 30,000. I’d like to thank the donors and the staff for helping us.”He noted that a lot of calls come in enquiring about oldage homes on the help line. “I want families to understand that oldage homes are not a good place for your grandparents or parents. These people live in isolation. In some places, old people are not permitted to interact with outsiders. This life is not what any human being deserves,” he said.Padmashree Dr B L S Murthy,who visited them on their trip, said, “We give them medication, good food, care and all the facilities. We do our best. But at the end of the day, they have been neglected by their family.”After the day-long trip, the senior citizens returned home with aching legs but with small somethings for their rooms and for a change memories that they would remember with a smile.
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