As a Board of director of the Rotaract club of Faculty of law, University of Colombo I eagerlyawaited the opportunity to participate in senehasa nagam project. That hope finally came true with our April visit to Karuna elders’ home in Boralesgamuwa. This month visit especially meaningful time, as we planned to celebrate avurudu, spreading joy and spending quality time with them.
As we entered we were warmly greeted with elderly smiles so pure and genuine that they immediately touch our hearts. The peaceful atmosphere of the elders’ home along with peoples’care, simplicity and kindness had a deep effect on me because of I’m a person who never had the chance to grow up with the love of grandparents since they passed away when I was little.Therefore, this experience filled my heart.
We began by preparing for avurudu celebration. From sharing traditional meals to them we exchanged heartfelt conversations. Our aim was not only offer foods but also to share love and kindness. While they enjoying their food our fellow rotaractors started singing familiar avurudusongs which clearly brought back to memories. We even asked them to suggest songs which can bring them to their older days and the joy on their face was unforgettable.
Later we spent time simply talk with them. Listening to their thoughts and life experience mademe realize how meaningful these conversations are. One grandmother shared a thought deeply touch me.
“some children like you never like to talk with us and knowing our experience”
Young generations need to understand without them we wouldn’t be here today. That’s why it’s important to give our time and love. That grandmother reactions were priceless to me that’s exactly why I always want to be part of Senahasa Nagam, because regardless of age and background the smiles of heart, the joy in their faces shows how genuine their connection with us.
This visit was truly a heartwarming experience that I will always cherish. it reminded me of howimportant is to take care of our parents, grandparents, who give us life, helped us grow andcontinued to stand by us with full of love. When we say our goodbyes, some of them told us,
“come again to see us, you don’t have to bring foods or gifts. Just come and spend time with us”
That moment made me realize that one of the precious thing we can give someone is our time to share their thoughts, their happiness, their sadness, their loneliness.
Penned by : Rtr. Fathima Faheema
Rotaract Club of Faculty of Law University of Colombo 