Ek Cup Chai
An Evening of Love and Gratitude
- A report
Team CACHE chose to make the Leap Day count when they invited educators to share ‘Ek Cup Chai’ with the residents of Jeevan Asha, a home for elderly women, located in Shraddha Vihar, Veera Desai Road, Andheri (West). The group received the warmest of welcomes from the ladies who were eagerly awaiting their arrival. The volunteers quickly filled tea cups and distributed biscuits before spending over an hour chatting with the residents, giving them the space to reminisce about their families or talk about their current interests. There were some whom spontaneously broke out in song and dance and were cheered on by the onlookers. A game of Housie followed wherein there was as much cheering as there were groans of dismay each time a number was called, and gleeful shouts when lines and full houses were won. Generous anonymous donors allowed the team to gift Cello flasks to all the residents.
The love and gratitude of the residents was tangible as they hugged and kissed the volunteers and blessed them. After spending nearly two hours at the home, the volunteers left reluctantly hoping they would get another chance to interact with these angels.
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29 February 2024 was indeed a very special day for me. I had the honour of meeting so many lovely, charming and loving “Nanas” over Ek Cup Chai. Initiated by CACHE, the evening spent at Jeevan Asha was as apt as the name.
Life is beautiful and we see wonders in many forms though we seem to miss them in our busy lives. As the evening progressed, the Nanas welcomed us with their smiles. When we held their frail but compassionate hands, they kissed and blessed us. I felt so loved and humbled.
Their enthusiasm over singing songs, dance and their joy at winning at Housie was a treat to watch. Rama Aunty and Pushpa Aunty love the Hindi serial Teri Meri Doriyaan the most and explained in detail their favourite characters.
Rama Aunty sings very well but she does not like it when you use incorrect words in the songs. She says you spoil the soul of the song. I was amazed she knew the lyrics of the songs perfectly.
When it was time to leave, we hugged and shook hands with the promise of visiting again soon.
Special prayers for each and every aunty, the sisters, and for all who make their lives comfortable and special.
May God always shower his blessings on them.
Suparna Pal, Asst. Teacher, St. Joseph’s Convent High School, Bandra (West)
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The visit was truly a humbling experience. I am grateful to the sisters for permitting us to interact with the elderly residents and I am grateful to Team CACHE for making it possible.
Hats off to the sisters and the helpers for rendering service to the less fortunate at the grassroot level. Wake up at 4 am. Bathing time between 4.30 am and 6 am. They are all given a bath or helped in taking one. Clothes sent for washing. 6 am to 7 am prayers and meditation. 7 am breakfast. The early 6 pm dinner. That's indeed a lot of work! And at least 12 out of 55 inmates wore diapers.
The tangible positivity of our team successfully lifted up their spirits albeit for a short while. The sing-song session, the 'dil se' chats and the Housie along with the delicious tea were indeed memorable.
When I saw them ready for tea with their 350 ml steel mugs, I panicked and ran to Fr. Magi to tell him that our tea canister would not be sufficient. But our team handled it very well. Talk about 5 loaves and 2 fish... Whew!
Thankfully, it was evening chai. The morning chai is 350 ml and evening tea around 250 ml. But we somehow had enough... enough of tea and biscuits… lots of love and empathy... and a breath of freshness.
Luna D’Souza, Asst. Teacher, St. Anne’s High School and Junior College, Orlem
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Visiting a home for the aged is a unique, lifechanging experience as it is filled with emotions and sentiments leaving a profound impact. It offers a glimpse into the lives of the elderly who have reached a stage where they require assistance and care after living their lives to the fullest and now find themselves in the twilight of their lives as they age with dignity.
“Ek Cup Chai” – Haven't we often heard this or say it when we are drained and need to energise ourselves? Some of us educators along with Team CACHE made the 'Leap Day', 29 February 2024, extra special by spending the evening over Ek Cup Chai with the residents of Jeevan Asha, Andheri(West), run by the sisters of Helpers of Mary. The Home provides the residents an environment that respects their individuality and independence.
An hour or so was spent engaging in conversations over hot tea and biscuits, some sing song, dancing and a game of Housie. One could see the strength that radiated despite their physical limitations. There were some others cherishing their moments of solitude in the rooms, but they eagerly shared stories reminiscing their past. The inmates were all happy in a home away from home as the dedicated staff showed immense compassion by not only meeting their physical needs but also providing emotional support.
Happiness and gratefulness abounded when each of them received a Cello thermos flask as a token of love.
Leaving the Home filled us with a sense of admiration, encouraging us to reflect on our own lives. It was a stark reminder that aging is a normal process regardless of one's socio-economic status or background.
- Giselle Demello, Pre-primary Coordinator, Andrean Child Centre, Bandra (West)
