Think of Khandala and steady images of beautiful cascades, lush green hills and lustrous valleys conjure up in your mind. This popular hill station often makes for a picture perfect destination, with its abundant natural wealth and gorgeous milieus.
This was maybe the reason why the NAB (National association for the blind), one of India's largest voluntary organisations working for the welfare of the blind, decided to set up its centre for the aged blind at Khandala. Serene surroundings, salubrious climate and its unique oneness with nature is what made this hill station a perfect place for helping the aged (above 50) blind men and women spend their ripened life in peace away from the city's hustle and bustle. Its main organisation is located right in the nerve centre of Mumbai at Worli and is often described as a place where one gets to see the other side of life. And this place is no different. Started in March 1970, this organisation has been selflessly catering to help the aged blind see a brighter day. The organisation has 85 men and four women, with the eldest member being 86 years old. Admissions here are granted free of cost irrespective of their cast, creed or religion. A number of the inmates are callously sent here by their families who have shunned from sort of responsibilities of their ageing parents. "People don't care after they send their parents or family members here. Some of them never pay a visit after their first trip," shares Sachin Baradpurkar, who along with his wife has been serving the organisation for over 28 years. Take the case of 86-year-old partially blind Lalita Dharwadkar, who very lovingly touches your hand when you meet her first. A native of Mumbai, she and her younger daughter (also blind) were sent to this organisation by the other siblings due to their old age. Nirmala Dhule, a teacher at NAB (Khandala) laments, "It is really sad to know that the eldest daughter of Lalita is making good money in the USA, but has no time to see her mother or sister." But, not everyone here comes with a sad story. There are some who have regular visitors from the city as well as loyal supporters including tourists who appreciate their arts and buy the products made by them. There are also many inmates who have shifted to this centre after their good experience with the NAB at Mumbai. "This place has an atmosphere that'll help me spend the rest of life with dignity, like I always did at NAB," says one of the inmate, rather proudly, who doesn't wish to be named. NAB has encouraged its residents to develop interest in leisure activities like music. No wonder today, the residents of this centre have their own orchestra for classical and opera music. Apparently, several students from nearby schools and colleges come here regularly to help them with their activities, which makes them feel loved and cared for. The elderly here are given work as per their age. They work hard all day to use their ingrained talent for perfect use. And once that handmade item is sold, they are paid for it with an additional incentive. This includes beautiful shawls, stylish tops and the regular kitchenware such as napkins, aprons, candles, shopping bags etc. A visit to their working area will surprise you with the diligence that these people work with. "One of our member suffers from visual, hearing and speech impairment but the beautiful bags crafted by him can put many healthy people at shame, reveals Baradpurkar enthusiastically. All in all, this place has a unique tranquillity that touches the soul. So the next time you pack your bags for Khandala, make sure NAB - Lions Home for Ageing Blind is on your checklist to get a glimpse of the brighter side of life. (Pix: Munira Chendvankar) Source: Mumbai Mirror 'Looking' at the brighter side of life Regards, Vishnu Information transmitted by this e-mail is proprietary to MphasiS, its associated companies and/ or its customers and is intended for use only by the individual or entity to which it is addressed, and may contain information that is privileged, confidential or exempt from disclosure under applicable law. If you are not the intended recipient or it appears that this mail has been forwarded to you without proper authority, you are notified that any use or dissemination of this information in any manner is strictly prohibited. In such cases, please notify us immediately at [email protected] and delete this mail from your records. To unsubscribe send a message to [email protected] with the subject unsubscribe. To change your subscription to digest mode or make any other changes, please visit the list home page at http://accessindia.org.in/mailman/listinfo/accessindia_accessindia.org.in
