A query was raised recently about whether the Calcutta caregiving scheme could be replicated in Bombay (and possibly in other towns or cities) for helping senior citizens.
I am originally from Calcutta, and hence am aware of this scheme which was started some years back for senior citizens there. Of a total Parsi population of around 500 at present, nearly 50% would fall in this category. Hence the pressing need to provide caregiving services free of cost to the beneficiaries.
These services are in the form of making regular visits to the senior citizens, assisting them with bank/financial work, running errands and attending to their chores, arranging for health check-ups and visits to doctors, reading to or conversing with them, and generally making them feel wanted. In addition, other organizations pitch in and arrange visits and recreational trips, hold gahanbars twice a year, organize get-togethers in the Olpadvala Hall, give gifts once a year, etc, all free of charge, including transportation.
Giving time and attention to senior citizens in Calcutta
Calcutta was able to attract caregivers from among recently retired members of the community (all ladies) by offering fair remuneration for the work done by them. Transport was provided or costs reimbursed. This was an important first step taken by the trustees of the Calcutta Zoroastrian Community’s Religious and Charity Fund.
Virtually everyone knows everyone else by name in Calcutta, and there is a spirit of camaraderie. It will astonish many readers to learn that in Calcutta Parsis meet at least 40 times in a year. All community institutions are located close to each other — the agiary, dharamsala, the ravangah, the Club, and the Olpadvala Hall. Three residential colonies with a total of about 50 flats fall within this area. And because they live in close proximity with each other, the Parsis in Calcutta know each other well.
Hence, while other towns or cities with a smaller Parsi population could consider emulating the Calcutta model, it would be difficult for Bombay to have such a facility. Distances are long, the population is large. But each baug could provide caregiving services to senior citizens residing in their colony and perhaps in the vicinity. It would be easy for caregivers to make visits to their homes and neighborhood. Let each baug committee make a concerted effort to start this scheme. Self-help is the best help. JAL POSTWALLA
jalpostwalla@hotmail.com