An enchanting jugalbandi performance, a nice chill in the air and delicious food in the kitchen — it was a night to remember for 51 senior citizens and several volunteers at the Smiles old age home in Medchal. The old age home organised an event where they provided housewives with ingredients and helpers for assistance to cook yummy delicacies for the residents. While the volunteer for this Sunday, Geeta Patel was cooking Gujarati food in the kitchen, the duo Bala Tripura Sundari and Lalitha Kurulkar enthralled the audience with a jugalbandi performance of Hindustani and Carnatic classical music. The two-hour long performance was so spell-binding that it left the residents in tears. Followed by a sumptuous dinner, filled with lots of interactions — it was a night to remember.
Making people smile
Trustees of the Smiles foundation Anil Kumar and Lakshmi Prasad aim to keep the residents emotionally connected through activities. “We have conducted more than 120 events. Initially, we chased performers and now there are endless people coming forward to perform. Six volunteers have already enrolled to cook for the next six Sundays,” says Anil Kumar, a businessman, who along with Lakshmi Prasad, a chartered accountant, are making many smile!
Bala Tripura Sundari and Lalitha Kurulkar.
Two to tango
The Hyderabad-based classical musicians Bala Tripura Sundari and Lalitha Kurulkar have studied college together, learnt music together and are performing together for as long as they can remember. “We enjoyed performing here - the ambience is lovely. Performing for people who are keen to listen is an amazing feeling. It makes us more energetic,” says Sundari, and Lalitha adds, “We both have connected through music. And we love making people happy through our performances.”
Residents at the old age home
More than a home
The home for senior citizens that was inaugurated by the then Governor of Tamil Nadu Dr Konijeti Rosaiah in 2012, hosts regular events for its residents. From theatre plays by prominent groups from the city like Nishumbita to fashion shows and musical nights, the residents at the old age home are kept entertained throughout. Housewives can come forward to cook for the residents every Sunday.
