Ahmedabad: Glow of kindness for orphanages, old age homes

AHMEDABAD: At Jeevan Sandhya old age home in Naranpura, the residents will not only enjoy sweets and delicacies associated with Diwali festivities, but also go on a tour after Diwali to Kutch. The festive season started on Saturday and city-based organizations said that this year the donations — both in cash and kind — have improved compared to the past couple of years.
Suketu Nagarvadiya, the managing trustee of Jeevan Sandhya, said that the celebration is also about sharing and caring. “The past couple of Diwali celebrations were somewhat muted with concern about the health of the elders and not many came to the campus to celebrate,” he said. “This year, the situation is different with many stepping up to ensure that the elderly also get to enjoy the festivities with firecrackers, sweets, and the colours of rangoli.” He said donations of various kinds have been received.
At Shishu Gruh in Paldi, too, it’s raining gifts — ranging from clothes to trips to Sabarmati Riverfront and other treats. “We get many donations in both cash and kind from those who want to give the Diwali experience to toddlers and children,” said Ritesh Dave, the superintendent of the orphanage. “We have a few trips lined up. The children will also get to light up earthen lamps and set off crackers.”Dave added: “But we also would like to appeal to citizens not to dump items such as toys or clothes that they don’t want.”
City-based NGOs said that this year, the sales of earthen lamps, hangings and other decorative items made by persons with disabilities have also seen an upward trend.