On Saturday, 2 nd August, the students of Grade 12 ‘A’ from Sophia High School
undertook a heartfelt outreach programme to The Friend in Need Society, a
respected old age home in Shivaji Nagar, Bangalore. The home was established
in the year 1830 and has provided care to the old and needy for several decades.
The beautiful venue, decorated thoroughly with British Architecture, also provides
education for students up to the 10 th standard through the Col. Hill English High
School.
As we arrived, we were warmly welcomed by the staff and soon began
distributing small care packages to the residents. Each package contained
essential toiletries - oil, soap, biscuits and shampoo sachets- lovingly packed by
our class. Though simple, the gesture brought smiles and gratitude out of all the
residents.
One highlight of the visit was stepping into the cottage of a senior resident whose
room looked like a beautiful time capsule. Adorned with a vintage gramophone,
classic Sony speakers, and sepia-toned portraits, the room whispered stories
from decades gone by. It was a special moment of nostalgia, evoking admiration
from all our classmates.
Later, we gathered in the common area to play Tambola (Housie) with the elders.
Their energy was infectious, and the room echoed with laughter and cheer as
winners were gifted small presents that included shawls, sweaters, candles, etc.
We were also greeted by the old age home’s pet dog, Rosy, who lightened
everybody’s heart.
A special highlight were the portraits, hand-drawn by our artistic classmate, given
to a few of the residents as a small gift. Their surprise and sheer gratitude upon
seeing them was a most wholesome moment.
The most touching part was when music began to play and we danced hand-in-
hand with some of the residents. Their smiles brightened the room and our
hearts as we swayed to old ABBA songs, some of them, perhaps reliving fond
memories.
Soon, it was finally time to say goodbye. As we took group pictures and bid
farewell, we left with hearts full of warmth, gratitude, and newfound respect for
the elderly. The visit left us brimming with compassion and joy, was a humbling
and memorable experience for all of us.
- Saagarika Jijesh, 12 ‘A’
