Bengaluru will witness one of the largest senior citizens’ gatherings in a place called Hiriyara Jaatre! scroll down to find out more about the event!
What is Hiriyara Jaatre?
Over 400 seniors from various old age institutions will be together under one roof at the next Hiriyara Jaatre, organized by V the VOlunteers. The senior citizens will participate in multiple activities throughout the event, including games, stage performances, and interactive seminars. They will be opportunities to tell their life stories, sing songs, and demonstrate their skills.
A few photos from the previous Jaatres
Image Source: V the VOltuneer
What is the objective of the Jaatre?
The volunteers are planning this gathering for the elderly because they believe that senior citizens deserve to be treated with respect and kindness. They intend to make the occasion to celebrate their life, a day the elderly won’t forget soon.
Image Source: V the VOlunteers
They intend to promote community and connection among the older residents by inviting them from different old age homes. They will get a great chance to meet new people, exchange stories, and develop enduring memories at Hiriyara Jaatre. The volunteers want Hiriyara Jaatre to be a step towards building a more compassionate and accepting society where the elderly are treated with respect and care.
Why was the Hiriyara Jaatre, and how is it helping the community?
The volunteers have been volunteering at old age homes on the weekends for the past seven or eight years. They spend time with senior citizens by playing board games, conducting games or spending time with them. However, while spending time with them, the volunteers realized that the senior citizens only venture out a little due to various reasons like safety issues or no volunteers to assist them while venturing outside.
Image Source: V the VOlunteers
Hence the Hiriyara Jaatre was started to give them an outdoor platform for interacting with other senior citizens in a safe environment. Moreover, the Jaatre would provide senior citizens a platform to showcase their talents and express themselves in a safe and public environment.
How did Covid impact Hiriyara Jaatre?
Covid significantly impacted the volunteering work as they could not venture out to the old age homes. The old age homes had restricted the movement of volunteers due to senior citizens having a high risk of catching Covid-19. Due to Covid-19, larger gatherings had been restricted, causing them to suspend the Jaatre.
Where and when is the Jaatre?
Venue for the event: New Horizon College of Engineering, Kadubeesanahalli, Bellandur Post, Bengaluru.
● Date: April 16th, 2023 (Sunday)
● Timings: 9.30 am – 5:00 pm
Who should one contact for the event?
People can reach out to Surendran M by calling on these numbers:
- 6366359686
- 6366359687
- 6366359688
- 8892839840
What does the organization do?
They are a volunteer-run movement and not a registered NGO. They all are volunteers from different walks of life and come together on the weekends to volunteer for various initiatives, including; senior citizens, animal welfare, children and people with disabilities. They are either working professionals or students and homemakers. The movement has volunteers from different age groups, and none work there. They are a group of passionate individuals from different walks of life who have come together to give back to the community.
Image Source: Volunteer for a Cause
Why was the movement started?
As volunteers, they felt they needed a platform to give back to the community by taking out some time from their busy lives. Since it is not an NGO, the volunteers participate in various activities whenever possible. Moreover, the movement is an essential platform for the volunteers to give back to the community.
If someone wishes to volunteer, how can one do so?
If someone wishes to volunteer, they can register on their website. Moreover, the website has a link to register for Hiriyara Jaatre; anyone can volunteer.
