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.

 

 

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