Gokarn Partagali Jeevotham Math on Saturday opened “Poornapragnya Vasati Nilaya” for senior citizens from Saraswat and Goud Saraswat communities.
This senior citizens' home was inaugurated by Vidyadhiraj Theertha Swamiji of the math, which completes 352 years of setting up of its unit in Mangalore.
Located behind Gokarnatha Math, this three-storey building has 60 rooms to accommodate 100 people. “They are for aged people who want to spend time in the city rather than with their children, who have settled in metropolitan cities and abroad,” the swamiji said.
There were many from these communities who made names in various professions in the country and abroad, the swamiji added.
The swamiji said “Vasati Nilaya” would go a long way in serving the aged. The math had spent Rs. 5 crore on this cause.
“Devotees have collectively worked towards constructing the building and involved themselves in the math's development initiatives,” he said.
The swamiji asked the devotees to continue to serve humanity, which would help in community development.
Kumble Narasimha Prabhu, secretary of Gokarnanatha Math, said “Vasati Nilaya” was different from an old age home. “Aged people can come and stay here in peace and comfort,” he said.
The occupants would be given food, medical care, security, and other amenities. Each floor had a common room where occupants could interact and watch television.
“The occupants can also visit various temples in the vicinity,” he said.
A single room would be provided to those depositing Rs. 6 lakh, and a double room for those depositing Rs. 10 lakh. These deposits would be returned at the end of the stay to senior citizens.
The occupants would have to pay a monthly maintenance fee of Rs. 1,500, Mr. Prabhu said.
To start with, accommodation would be provided to 20 people, he added.
Deputy Speaker of the State Legislative Assembly N. Yogish Bhat, chairman of Dempo Group Shrinivas V. Dempo, managing director of Kamat Hotels R.R Kamat, managing director of Srikrishna Group Hanumanth Pai, former Additional Solicitor General M. Susgaonkar, and managing director of Ideal Ice-creams Prabhakar Kamat participated in the function.
