Children’s Day is celebrated in India with great enthusiasm on the 14th of November each year. This festive occasion sees schools and colleges abuzz with excitement, as teachers and students come together to engage in a myriad of events and activities. The school buildings are adorned with multicolour paints, vibrant balloons, and other decorative materials, creating an atmosphere of joy and celebration. There is a saying that when people grow old, they become children once again, needing the same kind of care, love, and attention. This begs the question: what about the unfortunate elderly who have lost their families or have been abandoned, living solitary lives in old age homes?

In a heartwarming initiative by the Dbtech Auxilium Center and Sister Shirley, trainers and students decided to visit an old age home to spread joy among those who often feel neglected. An old age home typically serves as a residence for elderly individuals who either have no one to care for them or have been cast out by their families. These homes provide essential needs such as food, clothing, and shelter. However, they often lack the much-needed love and care that only family can offer. It is touching to converse with these elderly individuals, hearing their stories and sharing their experiences.

On the 18th of November, 2019, we visited St. Vincent’s Home for the Terminally Ill and Helpless Women. The students handed out colourful balloons to the residents, and the sheer joy on their faces as they hugged the balloons was akin to that of children. Following this, the students distributed dry foods and performed various acts to entertain and uplift the spirits of the elderly women. The interaction was mutual and heartfelt, with stories and emotions shared freely, bringing happiness to all involved. This visit served as a poignant reminder to the students of the importance of caring for their own parents to ensure they do not face a similar fate. The old women felt as though they had gained new grandchildren in the form of the Dbtech students, and the emotional bond formed was evident as both students and residents shed tears upon parting.

This Children's Day celebration, through its unique approach, proved to be a profound success, leaving a lasting impact on both the students and the elderly women at St. Vincent’s Home.