Talent show peps up life of old age homes’ inmates

Team L&M

Destiny landed them in an old age home, but their zeal perched them to history’s first-of-its-kind event ‘Oldies Talent Show’. Abandoned and betrayed souls living in old age homes and wounded by their own families eventually decided to stand up and buckle up to lead a joyous life. Their hungry hearts finally got a dose of joy, appreciation, love and applause.

Oldies Got Talent was a big hit. The talent show, organised by Niraj Gera, the founder of the Humanify Foundation and an internationally awarded photographer, was jazzed up with the awe-inspiring performances of dozens of old age home residents. The hall was full of applause when the ‘young at heart’ oldies had an awesome ramp walk. The audience started humming to the melodious songs sung by the participants. The dance performance by dynamic dancers ones shook the crowd.

“After witnessing a shift in their mindsets, which added a ray of hope and positivity to their lives, I feel that the purpose behind organizing this event has been accomplished. The sound of applause, words of appreciation and standing ovations filled their tiresome hearts with endless pleasure,” said an elated Gera. “Some of them wore sunglasses for the first time in their lives, while for others it was the first moment to hold a microphone or perform on stage. It was a heart-touching moment for not only the participants but also for the sensitive audience who came specially to cheer them up,” he added.

The event saw 45 ‘young at heart’ participants from different old age homes in Delhi/ NCR who got two months regular training by volunteers of Team Humanify. Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi graced the occasion as Chief Guest along with parents of ‘Nirbhaya – Asha & Badri Singh as special guests. Others present on the occasion were Eminent Social Activist & Oscar award winner Suman Oscar, Social Activist and Head of Sachi Saheli NGO Dr Surbhi Singh, President of NHRO Ravi Jaiswal, Choreographer Gagan Deep Khurana.

“Anyone who is young at heart and in spirit enjoys his youth forever,” said Lekhi.  “I have never seen any organisation, like Humanify Foundation, which works for the sake of spreading happiness in the lives of the deprived sections of the society,” said Asha Singh.

The event was supported by Rotary Club of Delhi Metro. Others associated with it included Ilariyaa (clothing partner), Shubh Photoworks (photography partner), Murliwala Sweets (food partner), Balaji Printing Works (designing & printing partner), and Rotaract Club of DSPSR (Human Resource Partner).

The judges were Hindustani Vocalists Shaleen Sinha, Mohd. Hameed Khan, Padma Vashisht.

“We are thankful to the residents of four different ashrams viz Sawhney Foundation, Raunak Vridhhashram, Triveni Vridhhashram and Mata Ram Beti Vridhhashram, who participated enthusiastically in the event,” said Gera.