Never feel lonely, says Mamata to elderly people at Navanir

Kolkata: Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has urged elderly people never to feel lonely and alone as they will always find people around them.

"Never feel lonely and alone as you are always surrounded by people," she said. She invited the inmates to attend the Kali Puja at her house on Harish Chatterjee Street.

She was talking to the inmates of Navanir old age home in Chetla on Saturday afternoon. She was accompanied by state Urban Development and Municipal Affairs minister Firhad Hakim and Indranil Sen, Minister of State for Information and Cultural Affairs department.

Banerjee visits Navanir every year. "I have been reminded of my mother whenever I come here," she said.

Banerjee urged the inmates to always be happy and cheerful. "Some of your children may be staying abroad and do not get any time to come and meet you. Never mind. They have their life and you have yours. Be happy and cheerful. Enjoy life as it appears before you," she said.

She said because of the rapid changes that are happening in society, the old para culture is missing. However, in housing complexes, the residents organise Durga Puja and come together during these days. "You are staying together and this togetherness is your strength. Stay here happily and peacefully," she said.

The inmates will be taken out to visit Puja pandals on October 17 and 18. The inmates sang Jago Durga jago dasapraharanadharini. Indranil Sen sang Roudra Chayae sakalbalae dustu misti hashi, megher khelae roder belae bar bar phire ashi.