The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : Suraksha bandhans to cement young, old relationship

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, Oct 05, 2006
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Tamil Nadu

Tamil Nadu

Suraksha bandhans to cement young, old relationship

Ramya Kannan

SHOWING AFFECTION: A student of the Asan Memorial Higher Secondary School ties suraksha bandhan band on the arm of K. Radhakrishnan, vice-chairman, Dignity Foundation Chennai Chapter. Suma Padmanaban, school Prinicipal, (second from right), is also in the picture. — Photo: R. Ragu

CHENNAI: Since the age of sealing pacts with blood is past, a simple red wristband will have to do. If things go well, it might even turn out to be the catalyst to repair strained relations between the youth and the elderly.

The red band, will foster a suraksha bandhan, a healthy bond between children and the senior citizens in their family.

Along with the band, comes an oath that the children will take: "I will protect your security with dignity."

The Suraksha Bandhan project of the Dignity Foundation, inspired by President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's idea, has been active for about four years now, K. Radhakrishnan, vice-chairman, Dignity Foundation said.

At a small function on Wednesday morning, Dignity Foundation volunteers sold wrist bands (Re.1) to students of Asan Memorial School, on Anderson Road, here.

The suraksha bands go out specially to schools, with about 50 schools participating in Chennai. Volunteers explain the concept, talk to students about the problems facing the elderly and the support they require from their children or grandchildren.

Students take the bands home and tie them on the hands of the elderly in the family, simultaneously taking the oath to protect them.

"We see a definite change in the attitude of children who participate in the project," Mr. Radhakrishnan says. "In the American International School here, some of the children bought the bands and even sent them abroad to elderly relatives."

The project is launched to co-incide with World Elders Day on October 1, every year, and continued throughout the month.

A poster/slogan contest is also organised for the students and prizes are awarded for the best slogan writers. The proceeds from selling the bands are channelised as contributions to any home for senior citizens.

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