My First Visit to Elderly Home: Mann Ka Tilak

Don’t we see the embodiment of our grandparents in the face of elderly people? I did too.

On 8th March 2022, I was invited to come along with Dr. Chopra to the old age-home of Wishes and Blessings, Mann Ka Tilak, the emotion of awe and exhilaration ran through my body.
I was a bit scared with the thoughts running through my mind on whether they would like me or if I would be able to comfortably express myself , as this is the place I was eagerly waiting to visit after learning its back story.

On reaching the centre, I sensed the warmth radiating to my heart as we entered the door. All the Ammas and Uncles were so welcoming and I got unexpected smiles, hugs and hospitality. It was a complete bliss to witness how they live together, happily and as a family. I sat on the chair in the middle of the huge garden under the tree where all of the Ammas before me sat to interact with me.

I introduced myself to all of them. They enthusiastically asked about where I reside, my family and when I joined the organisation. I felt so special and homely around them. The very first thing I said to Vijayalaxmi Amma was that I have seen them in pictures doing various activities and I could see a wide smile on her face. There I felt a range of connections, some special ones with a few of the Ammas. Nirmala Amma took me inside to show me their room where she laughed and said she has two rooms as she keeps on switching them with others. I found her the most enthusiastic and affectionate.

Then I came back to the garden to interact with the others. We talked about a lot of things including their experiences at Mann ka Tilak, what they eat, what they like the most and many more things. Meanwhile, I shared my love for South Indian cuisine and my very recent lunch out at Sagar Ratna which made Vijayalaxmi Amma elated as she is originally from South India and fondly remembers her native place. For a while we talked about all the special and mouth-watering dishes.

In between the chit-chat, Champiya Amma got emotional while talking about her family. We all tried to make her feel better and smile but deep down the fact hit me that the ones for whom they did everything, denied to help them at this stage of life. At the same time, another Amma and an Uncle was a little disturbed with the health issues they were going through. For me it was an eye opening experience with mixed emotions. I was happy and sad at the same time. I met all the uncles too and they greeted us warmly. I noticed that one of them religiously read the Bible while another sat quietly next to me.

The gestures filled my heart with warmth and joy. The feeling of being around them made me realize how grandparents are. I cherish the love and care I received in abundance. I promised them I would visit them again very soon as I don’t want them to forget me and the bond I managed to make. It was a blissful day to see all of them smiling at me. I missed my maternal grandmother who lives miles away and my other grandparents whom unfortunately I could not get to meet.

Neha Haloi, Programme Officer (Education and Daily Meals) at Wishes and Blessings. She has done her Bachelor’s in the field of Biotechnology and Post-graduation in Master of Public Health from Amity University, Noida.
She is passionate about writing her thoughts and experiences. She loves to explore new things and firmly believe that each experience helps to grow in life.