(This blog post is based on the candid chat with its Founder and Managing Trustee Mr Shhyam Singhania.)
Being an Investment banker, life has always been fast paced...travelling, meeting, socialising...constantly changing the fabric of life. Even before embarking on my current vocation, I was seeking solace points during the journey; I sought to give back to the society...in my own way.
The immense sense of social awareness, coupled with blessings and heartfelt wishes of friends and family I embarked on a dream- the Nana Nani Foundation. Ten years have passed; looking back it seems my unique solace point, around which my hectic professional life circumambulates.
I firmly believe in giving back to society, in corporate social responsibility and my own individual responsibility towards the society and its well being. Coming from a family who is traditionally steeped in giving back to society, I was always aware of taking up my share in the tradition.
The cause of elderly was just the beginning, what began as an endeavour to improve a locality, soon transformed in a full-fledged cause touching lives of numerous senior citizens. If I trace back my memories to my own grandparents, I vividly recall my grandmother. A family matriarch, she was an extremely graceful and a well educated lady. Lived an absolute principled life based on values of hierarchy, family traditions yet embraced modernism. Her entire persona has had an everlasting impact on me as an individual. She insisted on imbibing rich values and right ethos in us, her grandchildren. I am glad to see that same value system and tradition today being carried forward by my children.
My parents have also played an important role in the lives of my children, protected them, and offered them a culturally enriched environment to grow. Ingraining seeds of spirituality and devotion for God at an early stage their teachings have transformed the lives of my children. Healthy debates and discussions are encouraged in the house, hence facilitating individual growth and enhancement at the same time respecting the elders and their wisdom.
Beginning on such a positive note, I began envisioning and expanding on the theme of Nana nani Park –a comfort zone for the senior citizens of our society, I was extremely aware and careful of their needs and demands. I have been accumulating and improving my understanding of the needs of the elderly. After running the 3 parks and conceptualising multitudes of parks and inspiring many more parks, I look back with utmost satisfaction and happiness. The innumerable blessings that have been showered on me and my family for the past 10 years have always guided me in my efforts to do my bit for the society, for the elderly. These parks have always been fountains of joy for me and my family, events and festivals celebrated at the parks have always bought out an altogether new dimension of celebrations!
One of the best memories through the years is the Nana Nani song, dedicated to my family and my mentor, Mr Pramod Navalkar for creating the parks for senior citizens. This I consider the high point of love and affection of the members of Nana nani Foundation. Another pleasant surprise came my way when the respected President of India, Mrs Pratibha Patil mentioned to me that she knew about the Nana Nani Parks and would like to personally visit one, during her visits to Mumbai.
With recognition and rewards coming from various quarters of the society, the motivation to not only run but also expand this concept is high.
The future plans for the Foundation include a pan India presence, footprints of which are slowly being created. I fully understand that it is indeed an uphill task, but an extremely vital one, in order to spread the message of caring for the elderly.
In capacity of being a common man, who believes in investing in smiles and blessings of the elderly, I am trying to do my bit for the society I grew up in. It’s my quest to provided relief, joy and wellness to the senior citizens of the society.
