Indian Association of Seychelles hosts year end lunch for the elderly |06 January 2020

Minister Adam and Mr Pardiwalla distributing gifts

To end the year 2019, the Indian Association of Seychelles (IAS) organised its annual year end lunch for the elderly people at the Fish Tail Restaurant at Cat Coco jetty, to show its appreciation and respect for the elderly’s valuable contribution to society.

The senior residents from the homes for the elderly on Mahé were picked up from their respective homes on buses arranged by the IAS along with the carers and the administrators, who assisted many who needed constant help. The lunch was followed by a dance which was much enjoyed by the senior guests.

Minister for Health Jean-Paul Adam graced the occasion and distributed the Christmas gifts consisting of a bag full of all band radios and a bag of big corn flakes. The event was very well enjoyed by one and all.

The health minister gave a very encouraging speech and said he had been enjoying participating in this event every year for the last five years and was very happy to be with the seniors, who have made very useful contributions in their respective fields.

“Christmas is the time not only to recognise their important contributions but also to thank them and make them feel important,” Minister Adam said.

The elderly thankfully recognised the gesture of the IAS and wished the association success in all its endeavours.

The chairman of IAS, Jamshed Pardiwalla, also expressed appreciation for the senior people’s contributions to society and wished them Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

He also assured them that IAS is planning to institute some useful programmes for the homes for the elderly in Seychelles with the cooperation and assistance of other NGOs.

He also thanked Cable and Wireless and Global Supplies who sponsored a major share of the expenditure for this memorable event along with other organisations.

The chairman of IAS also thanked the contribution of members of the IAS management committee in particular Raghul Pillay who went to great lengths to organise gift hampers. The main persons behind the organisation of event were A.K. Singh and Surya Khanna.

The event was attended by about 90 elderly people from Au Cap, Anse Boileau, Anse Royale, English River, Pointe Larue, Plaisance and La Retraite homes in addition to the concerned staff. The IAS also plans to organise similar event along with distribution of gifts to the elderly homes on La Digue and Praslin in the early part of New Year.

The IAS has been operating in Seychelles for over nine years and has been very active in organising many activities like Seychelles-India Day, adopting schools, assisting in health projects, sports tournaments including marathon and many other socially beneficial activities.

Mr Pardiwalla indicated that many more socially beneficial projects are in the pipeline and IAS welcomes any suggestions as to how it could be of service to society.

On behalf of the IAS Mr Pardiwalla wishes all Seychellois friends a happy New Year and takes this opportunity to thank everyone who participated in the event and supported the association one way or another.

“The support from government and people of Seychelles and financial assistance from government of India for our cultural activities and the continued support of our sponsors are thankfully acknowledged,” Mr Pardiwalla concluded.

Contributed