18/10/2022
"To care for those who once cared for you, is one of the greatest honours."
This is something which we realized when we visited 'Nirmal Hriday', an old age home in Jamshedpur on 16th October 2022.
We found two categories of people there: the ones who were abandoned and deserted by their families and others who were physically disabled and mentally disturbed. Whatever the case may be, the sufferers were the aged ones who need the love and care of the near and dear.
The friendly residents welcomed us with their beautiful smiles. To break the monotony of their lives, we interacted with them and handed over a few items that the Sisters most needed for them. The members of the Jamshedpur Branch contributed generously in cash and kind towards this cause.
The differently-abled children were beside themselves with glee to see their visitors. Sister said 'they feel very happy when people come to see them'. While the residents were given the lunch specially arranged by the members of the Kerala Samaj, the Superior took us around their living area which though simple, was s**c and span. We also visited the chapel and joined our hands in prayer for the residents of the home, and the Sisters who give their all for the 71 ladies and gents and 21 children entrusted to their care.
The members of the Jamshedpur Branch were especially excited to find two Anglo Indians among the residents - Mr.Nelson Vogt and Mrs.Pearl.David. Circumstances forced them to seek a home and solace in Nirmal Hriday but we were happy to see that they are well-cared for and seem comfortable with the loving Sisters and residents. Though we spent only a couple of hours with the aged persons, we came to realize the value of grandparents and the tenderness with which we need to take care of them. Most of us realized the love for family and hopefully will hereafter build stronger and deeper bonds at home.
Nelson and Pearl have found friends in the members of the Jamshedpur Branch and will hopefully see more visitors henceforth.
