Seniors of DuPage County

  • Shobha Lidder
  • India
  • Jul 18, 2014

 

 

 

Meet these wonderful, spirited retired Senior Citizens of DuPage County, Chicago. I am often invited by a friend to their weekly lunch programs, usually organised at some hall. This time it is at the Vaishnav Samaj of Midwest, known as ‘Haveli’ - a Krishna temple complex. Professional Indian singers have come to entertain, with their troupe & orchestra. They soulfully dole out old golden hits and some contemporary popular songs from Bollywood. I am amazed to see Chandra & Vipin Shah, both 81, waltzing immaculately and doing the fox trot. Chandra is a cancer survivor, and had worked as an accountant and librarian in Chicago. The couple learnt ballroom dancing in London in ’58. Vipin did his Ph.D. from Brown University USA. The other members have learnt the famous American ‘Line Dance’ (a group dance) from him. Over forty of them dance in rhythm. The dance program ends with a garba and a dandia, showcasing the gusto and bonhomie of Indian culture. This is a very diverse group - of Muslim, Hindu & Christian friends from India and Pakistan (Gujaratis, Punjabis, South Indians). What makes the program stand out is the volunteering spirit of the members. The program begins with an Indian lunch served as a buffet, with some senior volunteers serving the food. A token amount is offered by each member as donation. The programs are funded by the DuPage Senior Citizen County Council. Today Moneek Khan is the MC. She is so scintillatingly beautiful and warm. She keeps the group together, moving amongst them, uplifting a despondent mood, hugging & announcing the return of Natwar Lal Surti from a kidney transplant, celebrating someone’s birthday – maintaining a motivational high. Who would imagine that she had just recently survived a deadly car accident. Chadrakumar Dutia has worked with BP and AMOCO as a chemical engineer. He has received an ‘award of excellence’ this year for his selfless volunteer services to the Senior Lunch program. He keeps everyone updated about the program. He gives car rides to grandmothers who do not drive. He’s a busybody: fixing tables, seeing to the lights, the music system, the food, the guests…et al. He is always smiling and ready to find a solution. Sayeed Syed & Dr Athiya met at KSU, Manhattan. He was studying his MS in Mechanical Engineering, she was doing her post Doctorate fellowship. She has a frail body but a firm resolve. He is a thorough gentleman. They have ‘earned their stripes’ and are now ‘living it up’. His message to the young is that they should not isolate themselves from people of other religions…they should make the first moves to foster ‘inclusion’. Malini, 70, is full of life…she was dancing just days before she went in for a surgery. She lives alone. Kokila Trivedi has survived mouth cancer and now lives alone. Mira Advani ‘jives’ & does the ‘cha cha cha’ like a Helen! She has had a heart surgery and lives with her son. Pratibha Dixit worked hard as a teacher, with a her mission to make her son a doctor. Sheila Trivedi, 75, glowing with inner charm, has undergone amputation of both her legs. Her husband, Jagdish, is happy being devoted to her care. These are a few of the stalwarts … each one, exemplary. They are a brave bunch, keeping their spirits stout by supporting each other through rough times. These seniors have successful track records as engineers, doctors and businessmen. They are hard working, stoic immigrants who came to the US to make their fortunes, and stayed back, adding richly to the diverse economy & culture here. They are humble yet proud achievers. I feel proud to be an Indian here. I have become a frequent visitor to their celebrations and endless revelry. These guys are therapeutic…like a shot in the arm. Seeing me a bit out of sorts this time, Mooneek Shah said, “Nazar lag gai hai tumhen. Laal Mirchi se utaro.” India has been well-replicated in pockets across the world. The spirit of volunteership, and the support that America gives its senior citizens as their legal right, is something we must emulate.

 

“Fear not autumn for thou hast thy music too…”: Keats

“Come grow old with me, the best is yet to be”: Browning 

 

Writer, Journalist, Teacher, Trainer, Social Activist, Reiki Master, Pranic Healer

 

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