The Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh Balagokulam adds one more sewa project to the already extensive list by presenting a colorful, fun-filled variety show to the elderly at the Blue Hill old age and Rehabilitation centre in Canton.
Dr. Mridula Patel has been the coordinator for this program as well as several others. In the past, she has arranged a food drive for the homeless at the Salvation Army, a Garden Club project in Norfolk and distribution of food at the Peace Abbey in Sherborn. The most recent program, the variety program for the elderly in the Canton Old Age and Rehabilitation Center, was where children of the Franklin Balagokulam presented their talent in many different forms.
The program commenced with a violin duet, Moonlight Tango, by Naman Agarwal on the viola and Abhishek Jain on the violin. The girls presented a Garba dance, which was choreographed by Pallavi Raje. There was a roar of applause and abundance of appreciation, which raised the morale and confidence of the children. The residents truly enjoyed the exotic dance and music presented to them. There were also many solo presentations, such as Pooja Agarwal playing Unicorn Ride on the piano. Saumya Mehrotra played Cardiff Castle on the cello. Mansi Raje played The Entertainer and Clap Hands. Shreya Rathore sang Castle On A Cloud and Harsha Prakki sang a song in her mother tongue, Telugu. The elderly appreciated these songs, due to the variety between western and eastern music.
Pallavi Ji also coordinated a presentation of the various dresses and costumes worn in the different parts of India in the form of a lyrical dance to the tune of “Mile Sur Mera Tumhara to Sur Bane Hamara“. The children dressed in the various costumes of India proudly flaunted their attires. In this program, kids like Shraddha Iyer who is just four years old also participated.
The children also sang a sanskrit song, “Manasa Satatam Smaraniyam”, led by Harish Patel ji. We concluded the program with the Vishwa Dharma Prarthana of Sangha, “Sarva mangal mangalyam …….”
The Director of the Rehabilitation Center distributed the certificates of participation and appreciation at the end. This was a very uplifting and encouraging experience for both children and coordinators. We hope to plan more of these types of events in the future.