July Visit: Service Redefined

On the 28^th of July 2025, the Rotaract Club of the Faculty of Law, University of Colombo visited the Karuna Elders’ Center in Maharagama marking the completion of yet another monthly visit organized as part of the සෙනහසේ නෑගමි initiative. In line with the Club’s vision to create a positive impact on society, this visit not only provided us with an opportunity to interact with a vulnerable community in society but also enabled us to create memorable and meaningful experiences with these blissful souls as well.

As we arrived at the elders’ home in the afternoon, we were welcomed by all the elders and the staff with a great sense of warmth and sincerity. It didn’t take us long to notice the nourishing and wholesome environment created within the home to enable the comfort and well-being of these wonderful souls. Being a very vulnerable community in society, we witnessed many enriching initiatives entailed by the management for the betterment of these individuals and we are extremely grateful to the management for allowing us to be part of such an admirable course as well. 

As Rotaractors, we are accustomed to building up positive connections with individuals irrespective of our differences. Hence, in the wink of an eye, our members were able to built up a very strong and mutual connection with these elderly individuals through well-awaited conversations reflecting on their youthful memories and experiences lavishly. After a truly wholesome session where we learnt many valuable lessons for life, we then moved on to a very lively musical session with the elders which entailed many of their favourite songs and music from their youth. I must say that some of these elders clearly gave life to their youth through these songs as they not only sang but also danced with our very own Rotaractors and I’m sure that our Rotaractors would have definitely picked up many euphonious songs for their playlists as well. Furthermore, the Rotaractors also provided dinner for the elders as a new addition to its monthly visit which was to be continued in the visits to come. 

After spending an eventful number of hours with these wonderful souls, we concluded our monthly visit for the month of July on a very bright and promising note as we learnt that treating individuals with dignity, kindness and compassion irrespective of their differences, adds great value and meaning to their lives. Thus, this visit has certainly helped us to understand that more than all our materialistic donations, the empathetic bonds and connections built with these individuals leaves a greater impact on their lives.

“To care for those who once cared for us is one of the highest honours.”

Penned by: Rtr. Gevindu Pitiduwa Gamage