From here to eternity

(By C.S. Krishnamurthy)

Why should the wish for a peaceful life be a nightmare in one’s old age?  Think of a woman who is old, penniless, homeless…  Where can she go?

Vishranthi, a home for the aged destitute, is on a casuarina-rich donated close to the beach at Palavakkam, 10 km from Adyar.  Its motto is “Sympathy, Service and Simplicity”. Started in January 1978 at a small, rented house to lodge a solitary inmate, today it shelters 40.

Aged from 65 to 90, they tell their heart-rending tales.  One was deserted by the family 27 years ago.  Another was crippled by a fall.  A third suffered immobility from a fractured hip. Her neighbor was widowed 20 years ago.  

Not all of them come from poor families.  A widow in her seventies, Kamalam, was deserted by her daughgter, who left for England.  The spouses of two film producers are among their number. 

In selecting inmates, Vishranti attaches no social stigma.  Age and genuine helplessness are its only criteria.  

The inmates are emotionally bonded as a family.  One of them says: “ We live here like sisters”.  When a fellow-inmate passes away, the others fast all day. 

‘Baby’ Meenakshi (74) says in her husky voice: “My husband collapsed of ashthma when I was 15.  After many ups and downs, I am safe and happy here”.  Asked if she would rejoin her relatives if invited to do so, she has no doubts: “I shall not move an inch from here”.  Bhagyalakshmi (79), a determined widow whose sons’ whereabouts unknown, asserts, “Only death can remove me from here”.

Miss Allemma (69) has different ties with Vishranthi.  She entered the home with her savings of Rs.1,000 and has since had a joint account with Vishranthi.  The amount will pass to the home after her.  

On a typical day, the inmates answer the ring of a bell at 6.30 a.m. , sip their tea and then assemble in a prayer hall, before breakfast at 9.30 a.m.  The community, unmindful of the caste and community, assembles for lunch.  Then, a few retire for a nap, while the others read books, chant hymns or make incense sticks, pappads or sandal chains.  After tea at 3 p.m. and supper at 7 p.m., they are ready to call it a day.

Their visitors, including friends and relatives, extend to students from schools and colleges, who entertain the inmates and share their snacks with them.  

Vishranthi was born of the efforts of a band of selfless housewives, who might well have instead spent their leisure discussing fashions or shopping or party-hopping.

The office-bearers are assisted by a ‘Shramdhan committee’, which interviews potential inmates, attends to occupational therapy, hygiene, stores, recreation , gardening and cremation.  Dormitory accommodation, with nine beds and cupboards for each of four halls is provided.

The home draws its income from the subscriptions of the 250 members, donations from various schemes and an annual grant of Rs.4,000 from the State Social Welfare Board.  A team of doctors regularly pay free visits to the inmates.  

Perhaps the spirit of Vishranthi is best summed up by its president, Mrs. Savithri Vaithi, recipient of the Rotary Club “For the Sake of Honour – 1981” award.  She personally lights the pyres of inmates who have no near and dear ones.

(Appeared in THE INDIAN EXPRESS dated November 21, 1984)

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