From The President’s Desk

(A monthly newsletter published since April 2012by Dr. Neelima Desai and edited by Kanaka Cadambi on behalf of Navkshitij)

From the top: Flag hoisting on Independence Day by our Vice President Dr. C. R. Desai; Dahi Handi on Gokulashtami;Ganapati Ustav atAsawali;Navkshitij Bal Ganesh Mandal’s Ganapati Sthapana

A month packed with activities

THISmonth there were a lot of activities. It started with Sports Day on August 1, where our Friends enjoyed participating in group activities such as musical chairs, cricket, volleyball and Lemon-Spoon Race, along with their dadas and tais. It was great fun.

Rakshabandhan was celebrated with the usual fervour. Bound by the Covid restrictions, the girls could not tie rakhis to their real brothers. They happily did so to their brothers at Navkshitij. This time, all the Rakhis were made by Divekar maushi, whose enthusiasm at age 82 is astonishing and inspiring. Traditional sweet coconut rice was a part of the day’s special menu at lunch. Everyone wore new clothes; the girls wore good accessories too. Dahi Handi celebration is of one the favourite events at Navkshitij, the main attraction being dancing to favourite Hindi movie songs.

We hoisted the national flag on Independence Day, August 15. We did not invite any outsiders to the event. Against the usual practice of going for a picnic, we spent the day at our respective premises. We organised sports activities for the special friends and staff members. We enjoyed a good feast at lunch time. Everyone had agala time.

Ganapati celebrations started on August 22, with the installation of Ganapati idol, at both Marunji and Asawali. On the fifth day, we had the Visarjan. Normally, we invite important people from the village to perform Aarati, but this year we had separate Aaratis at each house. Our Friends were excited to perform Aarati with their house mates and Dada or Tai. This time, parents sponsored the Prasad for the Aarati; so each day we had delicious Prasad.

Everyone is slowly getting used to living with the Corona restrictions. We have started a daily dose of multivitamin B with zinc, vitamin C and vitamin D tablets to increase immunity for our Friends. They do regular exercise and their diet is very healthy. Staff members are taking excellent care forthe special friends. We have regular meetings to make our Friends and our staff understand the importance of social distancing. They now know what to do and what not to do when a vendor or outside help comes inside. We have also told them to wash their hands frequently. By God’s grace, all is well at Navkshitij. Take Care, stay at home and be safe!*

Truly a home away from home

NAVKSHITIJis a home away from home for mentally challenged people. But they haven’t achieved this overnight. My son Raj was the first admission at the residential workshop. I have seen Navkshitij grow brick by brick. I have witnessed the hard work, dedication and lots of love that’s gone in the foundation for it to be so strong today.

No words can describe the staff’s commitment toprovide a better life for our challenged friends. From keeping the premises clean and giving timely medicines, good wholesome food, good entertainment, and, above all, a sense of belongingness and great love, their work is really worth appreciating.

With the recent Covid-19 crisis came the trouble with the Nisarga storm which destroyed their premises. But the storm could not destroy their courage and hope. Kudos to the staff and special friends. They all worked together to get it up and running in a few days. They have got used to working out solutions to everyday problems.

Navkshitij staffmembersare the heroes for our mentally challenged friends. They strive day and night to make the place a home. I am thankful for all that they are doing and pray that all stay safe and together during this pandemic.

By Mrs. Mangala Dekhane, Raj Dekhane’s mother.