Rons Bantwal
Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai (EP)

Mumbai, Jan 8: “In this era when senior citizens are being disregarded, it is necessary to find happiness in them.  The new generation and the youth should not look down on them as old people but fill them with self confidence. When we develop such an attitude among them who are experienced and senior to us, our lives will be worth living.  A meeting such as this is arranged to bring happiness among the people who have retired from their occupation and spending their last few days in search of solace.  The gatherings are meant to fill the elderly and the youth with inspiration”, said Gilbert Baptist, chief executive official of Malaika group of companies.     

He was speaking at a meeting held for senior citizens on Saturday January 4 at the St Joseph church lawn at Sheetal nagar in Meera road east.  The meeting was held under the aegis of Malaika multi state cooperative credit society.

“It is necessary to respect our elders.  They may be our parents, grandparents or others in the society, it is the responsibility of society to show love and be humane towards them.  There should be attempts to keep them in the families instead of sending them to old age homes.  The Malaika group is doing its bit by arranging meetings for them and bringing them together, said Gilbert.
He released a Konkani book ‘Khun va Jeevghat’ written by Naveen Kulshekar on the occasion.

Senior literary authors and poets V D’Silva Kanjurmarga, Joseph Paul, John G Mendonca Amboli, well known social worker Nancy I Sequeira, Igantius Sequeira Allipade, St Joseph’s Konkani welfare association Mira road president John Crasta, honorary secretary Arun Noronha, treasurer Lawrence Mathais, Diago Rodrigues, Richard Mathais, John Korea and others were present.  They appreciated an attempt of filling the elderly with inspiration by the Malaika group of companies.

Marcelina G Baptist, director of Malaika group welcomed the gathering, distributed prizes to the winners in various games and wished them well. Officials of the organization, Loyal Baptist, Alponse Korda, Noel Mascarenhas and others were present. Navin Kulshekar conducted the programme and gave details of new projects in the organization.

Felix D’ Souza Malvani group presented jokes and provided entertainment. Nelson Rodrigues Mulund, Gregory Rebeiro and advocate Robert Mendonca presented musical cultural programme.