Garba for Global Peace and Me!!

It was like Ma Ambe had especially designed a beautiful visit to my hometown to take her blessings. I found myself at Vadodara with family singing Garbas and being invited for events that I had always wanted to be there for.  One such was an invitation from my niece, Nishita, who insisted I attend her office event at Ahmedabad on 14^th October 2018, since I was so close. An event to promote world peace by bringing together exchange students from around the world and over 250+ well-wishers!! ...Now that was one I could never say NO to, not just because I love participating and working for social cause events, but also because AFS has been an indirect part of my life too.  When she was just a little girl in the 10th standard, Nishita had flown off on a student exchange program from AFS India, an inclusive educational community of global citizens, students, families and volunteers that builds bridges between cultures. Despite the choice of innumerable places, such as the US, an opportunity that every child would grab, I must admit I was truly proud that she chose to experience a culture that was different. She chose to go to Italy for a year not just for a cultural experience but for wanting to learn a new language. As she tells me often even today that had she chosen an English speaking country today, Italian would not be on her list of spoken and written languages. I must admit that her experiences and the stories she shared, opened up a new world for me too and I am immensely proud of her. A one and a half hour drive from Vadodara to Ahmedabad, therefore, obviously did not seem to matter and in fact proved to be worth every minute of my time.

A beautifully decorated ground exploding with myriad of colourful chaniya-cholis and people dancing was indeed inviting. Presented by AFS Intercultural Programs India and hosted by Ahmedabad Chapter titled "Garba for Global Peace", the evening was planned as an unique experience for its exchange students, in keeping with Gujarat's culture and tradition of "Garba" to celebrate Navratri, the 9-day festival of Goddess Durga.  The event was not just planned as a fun event but had an underlined focus and purpose - a fundraising campaign designed with a plan of using the donations received to create life-changing opportunities and scholarships for under served students to avail prestigious AFS exchange Programs. It was heartwarming to see over 50+ young exchange students from so many countries such as USA, Thailand, Italy, Germany, Japan, Spain, etc. and other supporters, on the ground dancing in one large circle to traditional music and songs. The exchange students dressed in traditional wear with head gear enjoying dancing the Garba, and actually non-stop too, with such perfection put me to shame. Of course, me being me, I did break into a dance too despite creaking knees, take a picture with the students and talk to them. When they expressed how much they were loving the experience of studying and living in India, it made truly understand the power of the program that my niece experienced.

Today, I when I look at my niece achieving great heights not just professionally but her confidence and the way she handles herself as a person, it makes me wish that I could have given my children an opportunity like that.  Imagine what it can give your child, if she/he were to take off to a new country and learn to live with a totally unknown family with their own rules of life. Today we pamper our children and everything is given to them on a platter but what Nishita learnt in 2010 and came back with,is so much more that just becoming independent. I see a true professional, values-driven, confident, tolerant of others, appreciative, understanding and extremely hard working woman. Such programs build intercultural friendship and create lifelong cultural memories and empower children to study abroad facilitated by trained AFS volunteers and staff in 60+ countries. AFS India is amongst the leading organizations in intercultural education and experience that focuses on life-changing opportunities.

When I returned back home I thought to myself that today with all the mayhem around us and despite all our differences, everyone who was there at the event was somehow connected as one with the hope of a happier and a more meaningful life. There is so much out there to learn and the world is so much bigger with incredibly more to offer, then why are we living like frogs in a well?  I find a friend in everyone who sits next to me for more than five minutes because I love to talk and share. Experiences and friendships add new meaning to my life and am sure to yours too!!

Instead of drifting along like a leaf in a river, understand who you are and

how you come across to people and what kind of an impact you

have on the people around you and the community around you and the world,

so that when you go out, you can feel you have made a positive difference ~Jane Fonda

For more information  about  AFS India  get in touch at aadil.fahim@afs.org or nishita.mehta@afs.org or call at (+91-9971148406) or (+91-8586925131)

#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.

Secret recipes to staying young!

Old, Elderly, Senior citizens- words that make you feel the age you are. The moment you start “growing old” as they call it or are told “you are growing old now” the body and mind begins to react in ways it need not. Growing old is definitely inevitable, but feeling old is not. So here are some secret recipes to stay young.

Join activities you enjoy. Follow your heart as now is the time to do the things you did not have the time to pursue. Make new friends and do whatever brings you happiness and don’t forget to find ways to help others. Helping others is just one way of feeling good about “you” and staying motivated. Learn that musical instrument you always wanted to or join a singing group and remember to include a dose of laughter every day of your life. Or just go studio hopping like I do.

Exercise is a must for you to stay fit, but that does not mean if your knee or legs hurt you still continue to keep the pace. You must learn to listen to your body and when it gives you signals stop. Do not judge your capabilities with that of others as we are all different and have different levels of tolerance of everything. What is good for you may just not be good enough for another. There is no shame in being different from those of your age. Simply find an exercise regime that works for you and include it in your day!

Get enough sleep and remember you don’t need to be sleeping the whole day because you have nothing to do. Get out of that bed otherwise depression and lethargy will become your companions. 8-9 hours of sleep is just right and you don’t need more than that just because you are ageing.

Eat right. Control your cravings for those ice-creams, sweets and chocolates as much as you possibly can but of course eat within limits. Eat simple food that won’t give you uneasiness during the day. Choose to eat healthy foods that provide you nourishment and energy and take your medications without fail.

Remain positive in every situation. Find friends with a positive attitude to life and avoid sitting with people who spend time complaining about old age, pains and aches. The more you talk about it and look inward at the problems the more the mind will tell your body to react negatively. Friendship as nothing to do with age so make as many young friends as you can and you will never grow old.

Sing : Definitely sing.......all those songs you loved as a youngster or all those that bring a spring to your step......loudly and be-sura too is fine.....keep the songs flowing...the joy it will bring you is definite.

Just remember: “Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter”- Mark Twain 

A firsthand account of World Elder Abuse Awareness day !

15th June, 2015, had been etched in my mobile reminders as “event at Pushpamaa Foundation,Veer Savarkar Park, Borivili West” but it certainly did not prepare me for an evening to remember for life.

Reaching there well in time in the drizzle of the rain, I sat on the swings watching the elderly on the other swings. The man on the swing next to me sat there singing a Dev Anand film song to himself as I smiled, enjoying the melody. The euphoria began to build as 250+ Dada-Dadis with their young ones walked into the garden area and the event began to take wings.

The Event was a Walkathon by elders on the occasion of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day. This was to be followed by the launch of heart touching Video release – a Poem by Anshuman Bhagwat, audio visual production by Sugar Mediaz, narrated by Darrpan Mehta and subtitled by me for a social cause. The poet in the video talks about being caught up in his own world and leaving his parents in the backyard room only to realise that one day he too will have to face the same fate.

The Walkathon was conceptualised and spearheaded by Sailesh Mishra, founder of Silver Inning Foundation, an NGO to create awareness about Elder Abuse and to create a Society for all Ages and ably supported by Ramaa Subramaniam. Banners in hand and slogans to stop Elder Abuse rang out loud with Sailesh Mishra leading the voices. It was a treat to walk alongside as the smiles and the enthusiasm led the group towards the dome. The dome in the middle of the garden was soon filled with smiling faces watching the group of girls perform to dances choreographed by Sneha Mehta Shah. Followed by the video release, the evening air was soon filled with karaoke singing that never seemed to end. What amazing singers and of course I shook a leg as they sang.

The purple heart chosen as the icon and the colour of purple which everyone had worn that day intrigued me to inquire the reason why? I was truly touched to learn that Sailesh Mishra had chosen the purple heart with a reason- that being to symbolise the colour of a bruise that turns from purple to red to black. The ‘purple heart’ was a cry to stop elder abuse.

No one wanted to leave and the day ended with gupshup over vada pau and coffee with the ever enthusiastic Jimmy Dordi and his fellow members. Its events like this that makes you realise that even though they may be called “elders” or “senior citizens”, there is a love for life that overwhelms and envelops you when you are with them. I may not look my age, may be young at heart, but end of the day, I am also one of them- a senior citizen with a zest for life