Schoolkids foster special bond with Snehodiya residents

Kolkata: In a unique session, the senior citizens of Snehodiya interacted with the students of a well-known school as a part of the Grandparents' Day programme.

Snehodiya is a new age co-living space for the senior citizens. It is the only of its kind in the state managed by the Housing Infrastructure Development Corporation ( Hidco). Debashis Sen, chairman of Hidco was present at the function.

The freewheeling session had the students and the elderly people participating in an adda session. The senior citizens shared their childhood stories. They sang songs and recited from poems. The students also interacted with their newly found grandparents with enthusiasm. The schoolchildren gave present to the elders who in return gave story books to them.

Many school throughout the country have introduced grandparents' day when the students are asked to bring their grandparents to school.

The students take part in functions to celebrate the occasion.

Hidco is carrying out several activities at Swapno Bhor, the only state run senior citizen's institution. Swapno Bhor has its own auditorium where the senior citizens often take part in cultural activities. Recently a chorus group comprising members of Swapno Bhor has been set up. There is a library at Swapno Bhor. Recently, the members took part in indoor games competition.

It may be mentioned that Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has instructed all the police stations to bring more people under Pranam, a scheme meant for the senior citizens who are infirm or stay alone. She visits Nabaneer, an old age home in South Kolkata, every year and the residents are invited to attend the Kali Puja at her residence.

It is for the first time the residents of Snehodiya will organise Durga Puja. The members will take part in functions that will be held in the evening. Swami Suviranandaji, general secretary, Ramakrishna Math and Mission will inaugurate the puja.