Esha Dutta, Joint Convener of Pronam Project, from The Bengal, inaugurated the Xmas festivities by lighting the lamp and also briefly spoke about the Pronam Project. Manika Batabyal, Additional AO, Pronam Ballygunge and Tollygunge Office, Executives of Pronam, two ASI, LO of Shakespeare Sarani Police Station and other staff of Pronam were present.

All the 165 senior citizen members, who attended the function, were welcomed with a rose. Musical group Sur Taal Chhondo sang a few melodious songs for the elderly audience.

“The senior citizens often face and fight loneliness in their lives. It is a matter of immense satisfaction to see senior citizens thoroughly enjoy an evening of Xmas celebrations. Pronam reaches out to the elderly members of our city from time to time with small events and functions to bring joy in their lives and smile on their faces. The Pronam project has been very successful in creating a community service model for the elderly in the city,” said Sundeep Bhutoria of The Bengal.

“It was a very touching and wonderful sight to see some of the senior citizens get up and dance to the songs and music while others tap their feet in rhythm,” said Ms Esha Dutta. One senior member who sang a song was much appreciated by all present.

The senior members were served food packets, tea and water. A vote of thanks was given by John, an octogenarian member of the Little Sisters of the Poor.

The Pronam project has a membership base of 20,000 senior citizens and is growing. Kolkata-based non-governmental organisation, The Bengal, and Kolkata Police collaborate on a regular basis to provide physical, emotional and medical support to the senior citizen members of Pronam who often suffer from age-related infirmities and need help and support.

Shree Cement provides support to the Pronam project under its corporate social responsibility initiative. Currently, senior citizens above the age of 65 years living within the jurisdiction of Kolkata are eligible for Pronam membership.