Age is just a number, everybody has heard this commonly quoted adage, but we experienced it live at an open mic event for senior citizens held at Chandigarh Sector 17 underpass, an initiative by the Tricity-based Grey Shades organisation. The popular hangout spot was taken by storm by the talented senior members of the Tricity as they poured their hearts out in the one-of-a-kind event.
Taking to the stage exuberantly, many read out their original poems, couplets while many others regaled fellow participants and onlookers with their favourite melodies.
The event brought together these forever-young-at-heart participants who left no stone unturned in making the public event an unforgettable one. Interestingly, many of those who were present had ventured into the now famous sector 17 underpass for the very first time.
Talking about the event with CityWoofer, Inderpreet, founder of Grey Shades, says, “The idea was to bring the elderly back to community life I would say, given the fact that many of those who are present here have come to this place for the first time”. So the intention was to bring people out at the community spaces and help them to connect with each other and have fun.
While some participants came along with family members who cheered them on, others came armed with talent and spirit which was truly inspiring to say the least. The timing of the event had to be extended given the immensely energetic and fulfilling participation. There were many new faces who had made an appearance at the event, apart from the regulars at Grey Shades.
This open mic event is definitely not going to be the last one. Grey Shades plans to make it a weekly or a fortnightly event. Logistics are being arranged for the same and the intention is to make it a weekly event, if possible. “We want to keep it as a Wednesday thing for senior citizens at the underpass as we want to bring them together to this community space every week,” Inderpreet reveals, adding that they are figuring out how to go about getting the permits and required permissions from the administration.
What is Grey Shades?
It is a Not For Profit organisation based out of the Tricity which regularly hosts events that bring together senior citizens. This organisation works for the welfare of senior citizens, mainly focusing on their social and emotional well-being. “We want to support senior citizens in their aging years to ensure they have fulfilling lives, ” says Inderpreet.
Grey Shades also has a fellowship programme for senior citizens which is a hundred-day-long programme spread over six months. At present , one such programme is running at the Sector 18 community centre with over 15 participants this time around which is the third batch. This programme is designed for the senior members to explore the new possibilities for their future five years. Other than this, community building events are held regularly such as this open mic event.
Organisation: Grey Shades
Contact person : Inderpreet
Phone No: 8968821155, 888-111-8522
Follow on Instagram: greyshades.org.in
