Residents of Orissa's old age home wish to earn self-pride - News

Despite being pushed aside to the margins of society by their own beloved children, a group of grandfathers and grandmothers in an old-age home here are living with the "never say die" spirit.

Located at the Village Salepali in Bolangir District's Devang Block in Orissa, the "Gram Mangal Pathaghar", the old age home is being run with the help of the Department of Social Justice under Central government.

It has enabled its inhabitants to realise their latent potential and start living afresh under its shadow. Earlier, these inhabitants belonged to Bolangir District but today the disturbed or exploited parents from almost all parts of the State are willing to join it.

At least 27 old-aged individuals are presently residing in it like a family of friends. But they want to earn their living for self-pride.

At "Gram Mangal Pathaghar" everyone's day begins with the morning prayers followed by some physical exercises and then a good breakfast. The women take care of cleaning the old age home and men take care of watering of plants.

Then they join each other in preparing jute products and brooms.

Reluctant to discuss their sad story, these people wish to work and contribute to their organisation irrespective of age. But they have an acute lack of adequate funds.

Amita Behera, a resident of Gram Mangal Pathaghar, narrated how she opted to spend her life here after undergoing inexplicable mental agony. But she is happy to be here and enjoys being involved in various creative assignments that the old age home offers.

"It's been a year and four months since I came here. My only son started committing atrocities upon me, therefore, people suggested me to come here. My son abused me, thrashed me and tortured me unendingly. I do not have any land but still I am happy here. I don't miss my children now. We water the garden here and keep ourselves busy," said Amita.

According to Gargba Meher, the secretary with the Gram Mangal Pathaghar, all possible needs of the old people are given a special care and due attention.

"Basically, those people who do not have any one to take care of, who have no land or property, or have nobody in relation are sheltered here. We take care of their food, lodging, health, clothes and other necessities. We also have a doctor here who examines everyone once in a week," said Gargba Meher, Secretary, Gram Mangal Pathaghar, Bhubaneshwar.

According to a survey, there are728 old age homes in India. (ANI)

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