Dignity Donor launch 2010

Dignity Donor launch 2010 was held in Piteelu Chowdaiah Memorial Hall this morning - A delegate book launch from the Dignity Foundation. When I received a mail about the event from Smitha Mundodi of Dignity, I assumed it to be just another book launch event and agreed to volunteer the event for elderly.
On reaching the venue at 9AM, I could not believe that the event was very well organized and the registration process had already started. Over 600 elderly – members and non-members of Dignity foundation were at the event place. We finished the registration process and after the welcome drinks(Tea and coffee), went back stage. The 1100 seater hall was almost 60% occupied.

Show was hosted by Dr. Kalpana Sampath.Musical concert started with a Jugal-Bandi of Veena and Flute by none other than Praveen Godakhindi and Dr Suma Sudhindra. It was not just musical but magical. I understood the true meaning of getting carried away. Music can get you involved to such a level that you forget yourself, especially classical. And flute is one such instrument which can touch the inside of u. It is very difficult to play any breath instrument and Praveen Godakhindi’s flute created a magnificent spectrum. All the elderly sitting there would sure have had rejoiced the music. Next was a beautiful Jugal-Bandi of all percussions, accompanied by Anooru Ananatha Krishna with solo instrumental ensemble, B C Manjunatha on Mridangam and S N Narayana Murthy on Ghatam which cheered the audience and a loud applaud reciprocated. Concluded with Bhagyada Lakshmi Baramma played by Dr Suma Sudhindra, the concert proved years of dedication and practice involved to make this day memorable.

Famous Kannada actress, Mrs. Yamuna Murthy was welcomed on stage to speak a few words and then was given a copy of Dignity donor. Very humorous, but sensible was her talk about the plight of old people, and some simple steps for better living.
Then came the much awaited moment. All the honorable guests decorated the stage and I could not but let a scream out seeing Mr. Ramesh Aravind – a honorary Kannada/ Telugu / Tamil actor. I hadn’t seen him from so close ever. He did speak a few words about elderly but not many seemed to follow him(including myself), since his English was too fast and hard to follow.

After the launch and distribution of Dignity Donor, the program was concluded with the National Anthem and the crowd moved towards the buffet lunch. Food was very good and with Karthik – a volunteer from iVolunteer’s blessings who was serving Jalebis, I ate 5 Jalebis just before the lunch.
While winding up with the event, I met Mr. Shyam Sunder Sharma – Training Manager of Tops Security Ltd. He has an incredible sense of humor even in his late 60’s and is so down to earth. Amazing happy go lucky nature one must possess. An attitude one always must look upto.

Best part of the program was the feeling I was left with after the event. So many celebrities in one place and you do not know whom to see. It was like all your favorite candies are kept around u to ponder. It definitely did feel good seeing them, but the attendants were not bad either. The elderly were really sweet and it was a pleasure being at their service(for whatever we did). This was the best event so far I could say. The satisfaction, contentment and a sheer pleasure of having done something that indeed helped me within - apart from a squirrel share to Dignity Foundation.


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