On Saturday, 11 October 2025, Mt Eden War Memorial Hall came alive with joy and energy as Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust hosted the International Day of Older Persons Celebration. The event brought together seniors, families, and representatives from other community organisations, creating a vibrant atmosphere of unity and appreciation.
The programme began with a prayer, birthday acknowledgements, and an interactive exercise session led by Carlos Cheung, MP for Mt Roskill, whose warm and engaging presence set a cheerful tone for the day.
The highlight of the celebration was the performances by seniors, showcasing their creativity and talent through skits, soulful sangeet, and the powerful Gidha performance by Papakura seniors and women. Their energy and enthusiasm drew admiration from the audience.
Adding to the celebration were the students of the Bal Vikas cultural class, guided by teacher Kanika Ranga. Their heartfelt performances included “Chanda Ne Poocha Taaron Se,” poems dedicated to grandparents, a Tamil song, and the lively dance “Meri Maa Ke Barabar Koi Nahi,” which delighted the audience and brought smiles all around.
Seniors were also honoured with certificates in recognition of their outstanding contributions, reflecting the trust’s commitment to valuing and uplifting it’s elder community. A special acknowledgment was extended to Sewa International, whose thoughtful gesture of providing Diwali goodies brought additional joy to the occasion.
Overall, the celebration was
a heartwarming tribute to elders, highlighting the importance of respect, love, and fun in strengthening community bonds. Bhartiya Samaj Charitable Trust expressed its gratitude to all seniors, volunteers, community organisations, and supporters who helped make the event a resounding success. -TIN Bureau