Birth of a Vision: The Beginning of Umang
In November 1987, a revolutionary idea came to life that would change the way society viewed the
elderly. Umang, an institute dedicated to empowering retired and senior citizens, was born on the 18th of
November. It all started with compassionate housewives, Mrs Geeta Kothari, Mrs Nirmal Hurra, Mrs Sudha Jhaveri, Mrs Malti Jagasia and Late Mrs Suhasini Parikh who were deeply involved in social work through the Lions Club. During their work, they noticed that while the destitute, handicapped, and socially deprived members of society were being taken care of, there was a silent, overlooked group: the middle-class, retired individuals who had given their lives to their families but were now left to struggle with feelings of loneliness and obsolescence.
In those days, being a secular family was considered a shameful thing in society. Seniors, aged 60 and above, were often treated as just another member of the family, with few outlets for emotional support or activities. The elderly had little to do except visit temples, gardens, or their friends’ houses, but these weren’t enough to overcome the deep, painful realization that they had outlived their usefulness. They would often feel abandoned, leading to depression and a hard acceptance of their place in life. That’s when these 5 ladies decided to do something different.
A New Concept: Giving Seniors Their Confidence Back
These passionate women took it upon themselves to bring enthusiasm and happiness back into the lives of the retired people in society. The challenge was immense – this was a brand-new concept. They wanted to uplift the elderly, restore their confidence, and make sure they did not have to leave their homes to feel valued.
Their mission was simple: to create a space where seniors could thrive without being separated from their families. They aimed to provide opportunities for personal growth, hobbies, and a sense of community, all while ensuring that no family bonds were broken and no conflicts arose.
As the vision took shape, other like-minded individuals joined hands in promoting the institute. Mrs Bakula Parikh, Late Mrs Reshma Thadani, Mrs Sapna Agarwal, Mrs Rachna Hurra and Mr Vivek Hatangadi contributed their time and efforts, and Umang began to grow.
Overcoming Challenges: Standing Firm Against Doubt
The journey was not without its challenges. The concept of an activity center for senior citizens was novel and met with skepticism. Society questioned the validity of such an institution. However, the founding members were resolute. They knew they had a mission: to restore confidence to the elderly, provide a space for self-expression, and ensure their dignity while strengthening family bonds.
Despite the doubts, the institute grew steadily, evolving from a small idea into something much bigger. It all started with just seven members and a modest contribution of 500 rupees from five enthusiastic women. Today, Umang stands tall with 150 members, having become a symbol of empowerment and joy for the elderly.
Creative Pursuits: Rediscovering Lost Talents
One of the greatest triumphs of Umang has been its ability to help senior citizens rediscover their creative potential. Many of the members who had longed to explore their artistic side – be it through painting, drawing, or other creative pursuits – are now regularly exhibiting their artwork. These exhibitions are a proud moment for the members, and their work often amazes others with its quality and depth.
Similarly, individuals who had always dreamed of singing but never had the time are now giving full-fledged singing performances, even participating in karaoke sessions. The joy and fulfillment that these activities bring to the members are immeasurable.
Social Contribution: Serving the Community
Apart from indulging in personal interests, the members of Umang have also contributed to the broader community. For over 25 years, they have volunteered their time and services at V.S. Hospital, providing assistance and support to those in need. This engagement in social work allows the members to stay connected with society and reinforces the importance of giving back.
In addition, the institute has offered a variety of learning experiences for its members. They learned computers when the concept was still new, developed their skills in calligraphy, and embraced Gujarati literature. The institute also promotes yoga for maintaining both mental and physical health, ensuring that the members lead balanced, healthy lives.
Collaborations and Community Engagement
At Umang, members are encouraged to engage with the world beyond the institute. One of the ongoing initiatives is the storytelling program at Eklavya School, where members visit the school and narrate stories to children. This has been a heartwarming experience for both the elderly and the students, creating a bond that transcends age and generation.
To keep the members inspired and informed, Umang regularly invites guest speakers from various fields. These experts provide valuable insights on topics like health, wellness, and personal growth, helping the members stay up to date with the latest trends and knowledge.
In addition to educational activities, Umang also organizes sports days, picnics, indoor competitions, and members’ day events. Birthdays are celebrated with great enthusiasm, making each member feel special and appreciated. These activities provide a platform for members to connect, compete, and collaborate, further strengthening the sense of community.
Technology: Keeping Pace with the Modern World
One of the most remarkable aspects of Umang is how its members have embraced modern technology. Today, they are as tech-savvy as anyone else, staying in tune with the digital world. Whether it’s browsing the internet, learning new applications, or staying in touch with family through social media, Umang’s members are thriving in the digital age.
A Healthy, Confident Society: The Magic of Umang
The transformation within the members of Umang is nothing short of magical. They have become more confident, more engaged, and more active. Families now take immense pride in their elderly members, who are leading fulfilling lives, all thanks to Umang’s unique approach.
The greatest reward for the founders and volunteers at Umang is the smiles on the faces of the members. Witnessing them rediscover joy, confidence, and a renewed sense of purpose makes all the challenges worthwhile. Through their journey, Umang has not only brought a sense of fulfillment to the members but also spread happiness and positivity to their families and society at large.
A Future Full of Possibilities
While Umang has achieved great milestones, the journey is far from over. The institute looks forward to having its own independent premises, where more members can be accommodated, and multiple activities can be promoted. With a larger space, Umang envisions the possibility of expanding its impact and bringing joy to even more elderly individuals.
The institute’s slogan says it all: “When one old person dies, a whole library vanishes. Why not preserve and get the best out of their experience?” Umang’s mission is not only to honor the elderly but also to extract and preserve their wealth of life experiences. By offering them love, confidence, and a sense of belonging, Umang enables seniors to pour their hearts out and continue contributing meaningfully to society.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Happiness
Umang is much more than just a club or a women’s group. It is a total educational institute and activity center for senior citizens, offering a platform for creativity, social contribution, and personal growth. The institute has become a beacon of hope, proving that it’s never too late to find purpose and joy in life. At Umang, happiness is not just a goal – it’s a way of life.
The smiles of the members are the ultimate measure of success, and as Umang continues to grow, it spreads happiness and confidence far and wide. It truly embodies its mission: to bring Umang (happiness) into everyone’s life.
