The CA Block-based Senior Citizens’ Association held its 26th annual day at Rabindra Okakura Bhavan, demonstrating how loneliness can be transformed into camaraderie.

“We believe that life begins at 60. In our association, 60 is considered zero age,” smiled member Bijan Ghosh.

“Our 89-year-old president (Ashok Bhattacharya)’s memory is so sharp that if you name a song, he can instantly sing the entire song. We gather at BA-CA Park from 6.30am — not to gossip but — to engage in creative thoughts and activities. Every Saturday, we hold yoga sessions, celebrate our foundation day, and birthdays, plant trees etc. The association works as a life-saving medicine for us,” shared Ghosh.

Bhattacharya, president and a founder-member, said it wasn’t easy for a senior citizens’ group to cross 25 years. “In this period, 45 of our members have passed away, and only three founder-members are alive,” he said, before launching their souvenir.

The cultural show began with the chanting of Buddham saranam gachchhami, followed by a chorus of Oi mahamanab ashey and Aloker ei jharnadharay, led by Debashis Dutta. Sibani Moulik presented Rabindrasangeet and Shyamasangeet. Sachin De and Sharmistha Deb sang songs of Tagore, Nazrul, and modern songs. Tapan Saha sang Mohd. Rafi and Kishore Kumar hits.

“Age is just a number. This association is a source of companionship to us, reminiscent of childhood days,” said Sibaji Bose, after singing S.D. Burman’s Barne gandhe chhande geetite.

Founder-member Nanda Dulal Dutta, who visits members on foot from Muchibazar, entertained with a self-composed poem. When TV artiste Sutapa Basu sang the Hindi version of a Geeta Dutt number from Saheb Bibi Aur Ghulam, her husband, Debashis Dutta, lent his voice to the Bengali version in a moment that made the audience break into applause.

Sipra Sai and Debashis Kulavi recited Karna Kunti Sambad. “The members of this association are like trees of wisdom; they encourage me immensely,” said Kulavi.

The final item was a heartbreaking audio drama Bhabitabyo, written and directed by Bijan Ghosh. “It is was based on a tragic incident that took place in Salt Lake a few years back when a man convinced his mother to sell their house on the pretext of taking her to live with his family but abandoned her at the airport,” said Ghosh.

Bharati Kanjilal

Rally for eye gift

A cycle rally was organised from BA Block community hall to raise awareness about eye donation. Named Aaloke Yatra, the event was organized by the DD-Block based International Eye Bank.

“Since our inception in 1980, we have been raising awareness about eye donation. We provide free cataract surgeries for those in need and have seen a gradual increase in donations over the years,” said president of the eye bank Nirban Chatterjee. About 28 organisations are working under their leadership in Bengal.

Subhendu Kundu, general secretary of the eye bank, said this was the first time they were including a cycle rally following a walk, marking the 37th such walk. “This 16km rally is a starting point for creating awareness," he said.

A participant in the cycle rally from BA Block.

The event was organised in association with Kolkata Cycle Samaj, with nearly 90 cyclists participating. “We advocate cycling as an eco-friendly mode of transport and a form of exercise. By engaging with the community, we aim to educate people about the importance of eye donation,” said Raghu Jana of the samaj. The group also promotes causes like blood donation, and raises awareness about pollution.

During the inauguration Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, vice-chancellor of Sister Nivedita University, spoke of an alumnus of their institute Hirak Patra who is now studying cornea engineering at University College London. “He has been developing corneas, which are currently under clinical trial,” Chattopadhyay said.

On behalf of the BA Block association, Arunava Das, said the collaboration was an honour for them. “Eye donation is a necessity at this point and we are playing a small part in the movement. We want to spread awareness from the grassroots level,” Das said.

The rally saw participation of nearly 90 cyclists of all ages. Niganendra Banerjee, a 72-year-old, said he has been a part of rallies for 10 years now. “Cycling gives me a sense of freedom and I’m also motivated by the causes we ride for,” he said.

The rally had more male cyclists although there were a few like Rituparna Bhattacharya. “I learnt cycling during the lockdown to help save the environment and would call upon other women to take part too," she said.

Sohini Deb, a resident of BA Block, was passing by when she stopped to listen to the programme. "My family has always been eager to donate the eyes of deceased members and I wanted to find out how it can be done. I’ve picked up the pledge forms today and shall share them with my friends too," she said.

Esha Barman