Due to the intense cold, holidays have been announced until 15 February. I am receiving many messages from members saying that their hearts are not at ease and that the branch should be opened soon. But what can I do—I am concerned about the health of all of you. Yes, I will certainly say this: it is important to keep your heart engaged. Now, many WhatsApp groups have been formed among the members of the Senior Citizens Kesari Club. Please message each other and exchange your thoughts. Not only this—keep your body active as well: do go for walks and exercise regularly. Eat light food and watch good programs on television. I know that coming to the Senior Citizens Kesari Club keeps your spirits high.
Today I received a call from our member Mrs. Prem Sood from the United States. Since her children did not want to leave her alone here, her son and daughter, who live in the US, took her along with them. Yet not a single day passes when she does not remember all the members of the Senior Citizens Kesari Club and me. She showers so much affection that she feels like a mother. If a few days pass, she says, “I see you in my dreams.” She is now 80+. She called very happily to tell me that she has convinced her children and is returning to India. She will stay for a few months. Her daughter will come to drop her, and her son will come to take her back. As soon as she arrives, she will perform a puja at home and insisted that I must definitely come. She also mentioned the names of several companions and requested that everyone be informed. Her happiness knew no bounds.
Similarly, every morning we receive a “Good Morning” and blessings message from Mrs. Sharda Sushil of our Noida branch. She too is 80+, but her daughter, who takes excellent care of her, brings her to the branch and to functions. Another member from our Punjabi Bagh branch, also 80+, has two daughters—one in the US and the other in London—who took her along with them and looked after her very well. However, her heart did not settle abroad, and she returned to India and is now living near Gurugram. Her daughters remain in touch with me and always thank me, saying that because of the Senior Citizens Kesari Club, their mother has regained energy, enthusiasm, and the will to live. She often makes videos (which we taught on the Senior Citizens platform).
These are just a few selected examples of happiness, but there are many such members. Not only this—our branch presidents from West Vihar, Punjabi Bagh, Green Park, Noida, G.K., and Gurugram have all been associated with us from the very first day. In Faridabad, branch presidents Mr. Kathuria and Mr. Jatwani stepped into the role of mentors and brought forward Mr. Punyani and Mr. Khurana. Similarly, in Model Town, President Mrs. Manju brought forward Mrs. Binu Chauhan. In Gurunwala Town, the branch is being run by the daughter-in-law of late Mr. Bhola Nath Vij and Mrs. Geeta Nair. In the Hyderabad branch, Mr. Harsh brought Mrs. Meena Mutha forward. Several more branches are in the pipeline.
Overall, for the past 22 years, we have been moving forward like a family—sharing happiness with many people and spreading positive thinking in society. Members who have passed away have left behind an indelible mark. People like Mahashay Ji, Rajmata, Shanti Vohra, and many others are no longer with us, yet their faces remain forever before our eyes. Therefore, I would say to all members: stay active, stay engaged, remain busy, cheerful, and healthy.
