“Happiness is ageless”

Dinshaw K. Tamboly, chairman of the WZO Trust Funds which run two homes for senior citizens in Navsari, Gujarat as part of their multifarious activities for the welfare of the community, has sent Parsiana a DVD titled Happiness is Ageless which deals with the subject of seniors. He has explained the genesis of the DVD in his covering letter.

During April-May 2011 he was approached by Sanjay Panchal who was producing for television a nine-part serial on senior citizens in which he intended to include both the positive as well as negative issues that the elders have to deal with, and sought permission from the WZO Trust Funds to spend a couple of hours at their centers in Navsari, the Bai P. B. Jeejeebhoy Senior Citizens Centre and the Dolat and Hormusji Vandrewala Senior Citizens Centre, to shoot some scenes to incorporate in the proposed serial. However, after visiting the homes Panchal and his crew decided to stay on and filmed what will be a 28-minute episode for the serial.

Below: Activities for residents of the WZO senior citizens home (left) in Navsari

The DVD opens with a shot of Nav­sari station, works its way through the city center and meanders into the by-lanes before it pans in on the façade of WZO Trust Funds Bai Maneckbai P. B. Jee-jeebhoy Senior Citizens Centre. In the DVD Tamboly speaks at length about the genesis of the homes and the effort that goes into this activity. The DVD explores the living conditions of the inmates, dwells on the social activities organized for them as well as the medical care provided. Spotlessly clean, well appointed rooms, excellent kitchen facilities in which two Parsi ladies produce wholesome meals (Parsi, continental and Chinese) for the inmates, and recreation areas where the elders can read the newspapers, watch television or play indoor games like carom are shown. "I wanted to come here, though my family was against it,” an elderly lady cheerfully informs the interviewer. The highlight is the fashion show in which the aged residents happily, if somewhat self consciously, swan down the aisle dressed in their best, physical disabilities notwithstanding, to the applause of their peers.

Panchal sent the DVD to Tamboly and the organization has made copies which they will share with their donors, supporters, well-wishers and members of the community interested in the welfare of senior citizens. Those who wish to extend support toward the day-to-day running and management of the senior citizens’ centers are requested to donate by cheques made out to "The WZO Trust Funds” and send them to The WZO Trust Funds, Shanti, 5th Floor, 6, Banaji Street, Fort, Bombay 400001. Tel: 22813719. E-mail: beedee@vsnl.com