Let's talk #MissionHelp in any way you can - Hira Mehta

 

A deadly virus has locked down the world and disrupted our lives in such a harsh and sad way, that it will take years and years for us to recover from it. Economy, livelihood and the very freedom of living life has been snatched from us. We are losing loved ones and everyone is sailing in unchartered waters waiting to get to shore intact. No one was ever been prepared for this onslaught, and yet it has not stopped the human race  from being who we are - human. We all know from the ashes rises the phoenix and it is no wonder that everyone has joined hands to do whatever they can, to make it better for those who need help. Networking has worked wonders and become prime for helping the community, especially in this pandemic. There are many Covid soldiers out there, but there is that one untiring humanitarian soldier, Sailesh Mishra, that I admire, get inspired and who never fails to amaze me.

Sailesh Mishra, the Founder of Silver Innings, a Social Enterprise which is working towards creating an elder friendly world where aging becomes a positive and rewarding experience, through his Silver Innings Foundation, has once again stepped up. He has been tirelessly helping underprivileged and vulnerable families, single women, differently abled, transgenders, widows with monthly grocery and especially for senior citizens are struggling, since the virus struck in March 2020.  Even during this 2nd wave of the pandemic, since April 2021, Sailesh and his foundation continue to do good work and he has added-on three more humanitarian programs to help and serve others.

#MissionFoodDonation - Silver Innings for Humanity Foundation in association with Sushma Rana Malhotra, Food Partner & Founder, Aanyo's and delivery partner, Making The Difference (NGO) has been providing free homemade meal two times a day for people in quarantine in the Mira Bhayanadar area and also distributing ration to needy since a long time now.

#MissionFeedIndia - Providing free dry ration to underprivileged and vulnerable in association with 'Market Place'.

#Mission5000, Mission JOSH - Due to the surge in cases, there is now a huge demand for oxygen concentrators. Amid the massive shortage, social media is flooded with messages of people looking for oxygen concentrators for their friends and family. This initiative supported by Bollywood Singer, Tulsi Kumar, Actress Bhagyashree, Designer Sonaakshi Raaj, Special IGP of Maharashtra Dr Pratap Dighavkar, Global Business leaders Farhana Haque of Microsoft and Farzana Haque of TCS has set out to provide free oxygen concentrators to patients at home through their partner NGOs Sanjeevani- Life Beyond Cancer, Ladli Foundation and Silver Inning Foundation  in the Covid affected cities across India focusing and is prioritising those who require immediate attention (including cancer patients) in Mumbai, Delhi, Jaipur, Ahmedabad, Guwahati, Surat, Pune, and a few more cities. It is India’s first fundraiser that aims to provide oxygen concentrators with an idea behind being to save beds in hospitals for the use of severely impacted patients.

Support mission here: https://www.ketto.org/fundraiser/mission5000

And of course, there is Sailesh's on-going #MissionSeniorCitizen of Silver Innings. Sailesh continues and will continue to help affected people who live alone or have elders at home as also address and resolve the micro and macro level issues of the elderly.

Support my friend, Sailesh Mishra in his heartwarming efforts. Write on   silverinnings@gmail.com or whatsapp 9987104233

It is said that together we can make a difference. If you cannot step out to help,  then like me, perhaps you can become the bridge, the voice for the cause and share information to as many people as possible. Things do not just happen, nor get resolved on their own, so what's the point of waiting for things to happen. Every day is a struggle and the truth is it is the time to act, join hands, donate  and support in any way one can....... and now it is up to you!

ABOUT

Sailesh Mishra, is an extremely dedicated social entrepreneur and Founder of Silver Innings, Founder of  'A1 Snehanjali’-Mumbai's 1st 24x7 dedicated assisted living, elder care home, author of a book titled 'REMEMBER ME - YOU, ME AND DEMENTIA', and a unique annual stage talent show for the 55 plus seniors to showcase their talents titled "UMANG" - organized by his silver innings foundation, since 2008. An exclusive referral search portal ‘Silver Innings Helpline" has also been set up. Contact: silverinnings@gmail.com or whatsapp 9987104233.

 

 

#WorldRockAgainstDementia Event 2018#

#WorldRockAgainstDementia Event 2018#

It just takes one call from my friend, Sailesh Mishra to get me there.  When someone like him tells you to be there, you are there…. and not because you have been told to,  but because you just know in your heart that you have to.  This is exactly what happened for me and not surprised at all that when I landed there, I was handed a event flow and told to get up on stage and host it too.

In 2017, Sailesh Mishra of Silver Innings was appointed Brand Ambassador of India for Purple Angles a global platform for Dementia founded by Norman Mc Namara.  *World Rock Against Dementia* 2018, was organised by Sailesh Mishra and his Silver Innings on March 24, 2018 to create awareness about Dementia - a global program - 85 events simultaneously in 20 countries and in 5 continents. A collaborative event of global organizations started by Purple Angel Ambassador.

Dance and song by Seniors and the band Nuts & Frets rocked the show that evening. What was more heartening for me while hosting the show was that each and every Senior wanted the world to know their AGE.  Not one every wants to tell the world how old one is and here were my peers all wanting me to share their ages on the mike with everyone in the audience each time they performed.…. and why not?  after all they were proving  that AGE IS JUST A NUMBER and that the HEART IS YOUNG FOREVER.

It was indeed a matter of pride to know that Sailesh has been invited by Commonwealth International Forum Conference in UK, to represent India and speak about his cause in April  2018.  He will also talk about India, about family culture in our country because the Western culture is keen to know how we care about our family. He adds , "Let me tell you we are not so bad. We need to protect our family institution and I will be talking about it."

I decided that I had to get him to do a small interview so I pinned him down to do a FB live with me on that event day.  Here is the conversation we had.

Ø  Hira : Sailesh tell us what this event is all about?

Sailesh:  This event is hosted all over the world in 20 countries & 5 continents to create awareness about Dementia through music and dance.  Music and dance helps brain stimulate  and help in Dementia.

Ø  Hira: Sailesh, you are like an angel, I always say that and it is a fact. Tell me something about the causes that you are supporting

Sailesh:   We support the cause of Senior Citizens.. By Senior Citizens I mean those about 60+. Also we work with young people, old people and people with Dementia which a non-curable disease.  What has happened to your family member you can't do anything about it but we can try to prevent it, we can try to stabilize it, we can help the family members and the best thing is let people in the Government know what Dementia and Alziehermers is all about so we can act on it now.

Ø  Hira: I have realised that Sailesh, that you do a lot. You have Silver Innings, A1 Snehanjali that supports the senior citizens  and you have a home in Nalasopara and Rajodi.  Can you please tell me something more about it.

Sailesh : We have one of India's first social enterprise assisted living care home A1 Snehanjali at Nalasopara and Virar where we have a 24x7 dedicated home for Dementia and Alziehmer.  It is a big support and relief for the families of those suffering from Dementia and it is a holistic home. It is not a nursing home, it is not an old age home, it is not an orphanage. It is a home like yours and mine. We only give love and care. That is all they need people.  I think this is what India needs and I don't also think we need to also make our own homes Dementia friendly.

Ø  Hira : Dementia for me was a very scary subject and then I met you, Sailesh.  I also decided to make a film called SELFLESS SOLDIER - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aETnPu2FFXk.   What else do you wish to share.

Sailesh : One more thing. We have a Silver Inning Football Club playing for a cause also for Dementia. Our team is a group topper in Mumbai District Football Association.  This is something I am proud of.  As  for everyone of us out there, I can only say that  love and support your parents because one day you will also grow old.

Ø  Silver Innings FC #SIFC Team qualifies for #MDFA Mumbai District Football Association - MDFA of 2nd Division this year 2017 -2018 and to 1st Division for next year 2018 -2019 in prestigious #MDFA #Football tournament. They are through quarter finals.

Before allowing him to leave, I had to ask him that pertinent question that had me confused for a long time before it  made me come closer to understanding this cause which was:

Ø  Hira :  There is the word Dementia and then there is another word "Alzheimer's". What is the difference between the two and when we talk to our family members or anyone,  they think Dementia and Alzheimer's is the same thing. I also used to think the same until I connected with you, read about it on the internet and started to come to events like these.  Please will you tell us what exactly it is.

Sailesh : Dementia is like an umbrella,  in simple terms if I have to explain, it is like a company that makes different products. Dementia is like that and has many different facets to it like Alzheimer's and other kinds of focused Dementia problems which I don't think one needs to know about except Dementia and Alzheimer's prevail because in our country we have diabetes and heart problems. Dementia is a chronic disorder which affects the brain leading to memory loss, understanding problems, poor cognitive functions and behavioural changes The main problem is forgetting but forgetting is not wrong.

Ø  Hira :  So then please, explain the confusion between old age and Dementia, please.

Sailesh : See, forgetting small things such forgetting to pay a friend, not recognising or remembering people names which sometimes we do intentionally to avoid things. That is normal. Then what is this illness.  It is when you forget everyday routine, such as putting toothpaste on the brush, brushing or gargling, where and when to go to the toilet.  Meal times are forgotten, whether it is morning or afternoon and sometimes if clouds cover the sky a Dementia patient will think it already night or its morning. They will not understand what time of the day it is. With these kind of problems the persons personality changes. Forgetting  little things is okay, but problem comes when you forget people completely, forget to eat, forget name of wife, son, family members-  then it is a problem.  It is then that it never gets cured.

Ø  Hira : How important is a caregiver?

Sailesh : In Dementia and Alzheimer's the caregiver is the most important person. The caregiver is the doctor and the medicine as no other medicine works. Caregiver has the most important role and so who is a caregiver. It is a family member or someone you hire to look after your family member suffering from Dementia who stays 24x7 with them.  Most importantly a caretaker must to take good care of his mental health too.

The evening of dance and music came to an end and I know why Sailesh always advocates and encourages us seniors to continue to dance and sing. Simply  because it stimulates the brain,  relaxes, connects the mind and soul leading to agility, flexibility, balance coordination and as he always says "It is a way to keep your brain and body active and connected. So continue to sing, dance and stay active, then Dementia will never come close to you."

A must read  - “Remember me - You Me and Dementia ”, Book by Sailesh Mishra https://www.amazon.in/dp/9385221051 is a valuable guide in preparing care givers to foresee a new aspect of their life. The people diagnosed with the disease in the early stages will help them understand themselves and plan ones remaining journey of life.  The book is interspersed with real life stories and poems of perseverance and enduring without which, partaking in this journey is not possible.

Connect: silverinnings@gmail.com.  sailesh2000_2000@yahoo.co.uk or Mob:09819819145.