Mumbai, October 1: Sometimes, what an elderly person needs is not just a blanket, a meal or a new piece of clothing. It is someone who sits beside them, listens to their stories and makes them feel remembered.
That was the spirit behind a special initiative organised by the Shivani Sharma Foundation in collaboration with the Lions Club of Bombay Hilltop at a Vriddhashram in Mumbai on October 1, marking the International Day of Older Persons.
The initiative focused on elderly women living at the old age home, with volunteers and guests spending time with the residents and sharing a few moments of happiness with them.
As part of the programme, essential items such as blankets, bedsheets, women’s and men’s clothing, socks and food were distributed among the residents. While these items addressed some everyday needs, the gathering also created an opportunity for personal interaction and companionship.
The day was not limited to distribution. Volunteers and guests interacted with the residents, listened to their experiences and participated in a lively game of Housie. Laughter and conversations filled the space, turning what could have been a routine donation drive into a more personal gathering.
The most meaningful part of the initiative was perhaps the time spent with the residents. For elderly people living away from their families, a conversation, a game or simply having someone listen can carry a value that cannot be measured in material terms.
The event also saw the participation of several guests from the fields of journalism, social work, entertainment, fashion and community service. Among those present were senior journalist and RTI activist Anil Galgali, advocate and NCP leader Arvind Tiwari, actress and entrepreneur Shivani Sharma, Lions Club of Bombay Hilltop project coordinator Ruchitaa Mehrra, Amit Tiwari of Sathi The Youth Foundation, actor and director Manish Mishra, Shiva Shukla of Seven Rolls Entertainment LLP, designer, stylist and producer Hitendraa J. Kapopara, and social worker Venkatesh Rajan.
The guests joined the residents in conversations and activities and helped distribute essential items and gifts. Their participation added to the sense of community that the organisers hoped to create.
The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1. The day draws attention to the lives, contributions, rights and well-being of older people. Beyond formal observances, initiatives at the community level can provide an opportunity to understand the everyday realities faced by senior citizens.
For the Shivani Sharma Foundation, the event was part of its wider social work under the vision of “Small Step, Big Impact.” The foundation says it works across areas including support for underprivileged communities, women’s empowerment, children’s education and social welfare.
The collaboration with Lions Club of Bombay Hilltop also highlighted how community organisations and volunteers can come together around a simple idea: making someone feel cared for.
There may not have been anything extraordinary about a game of Housie, a shared meal or a conversation. But for a few hours, these ordinary moments created something valuable: company, laughter and the feeling of being remembered.
The organisers believe that such small acts of kindness can contribute to a more compassionate society. And on a day dedicated to older persons, the message was simple: caring for the elderly is not only about providing what they need, but also about giving them time, respect and a sense of belonging.
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