Activities

• Gardening- Nature has a way of infusing positivity. The Which is why, we encourage the Astha residents to do gardening. In fact, you’ll always see one or two individuals in the garden when it’s not too hot.
• Group discussion– Retired but not tired! Group- discussion is a favourite past-time of Astha residents. Especially the men folk. It’s very interesting to hear them discuss and compare the current political and social scenario with the situation in the 40s and 50s.
• Watching movies– Over 60 doesn’t mean you should not talk or see movies! At Astha we regularly screen a popular old or new movie in the Assembly Hall. The attendance is always 100%.
• Devotional Songs– Bhajans have a way of calming minds, removing bitterness and acrimony, and making the atmosphere very sublime. We are greatly indebted to
• trained Classical singer and teacher Mrs. Chhaya Matange for visiting the Ashram twice a week and teaching bhajans to the residents. They too eagerly look forward to the Bhajan classes.
• Cleanliness– Cleanliness is next to Godliness! And we encourage our residents to make their own bed, clean almirah, etc. We also see that they maintain personal hygiene such as having bath daily, changing clothes, combing hair regularly and so on. It’s nice to see the women residents combing their long tresses.Sometimes, they also offer to comb their friend’s hair.
• Praying– At Astha, we encourage the residents to pray-be it any religion. Almost all of them have a picture of God on top surface of the Almirah. However, you’ll never see a fanatic steak in any of them.
• Helping one another-Apart from dormitories, we offer rooms to couples. The response is good. The rooms are also given on sharing basis to women or men residents.At such times, a younger resident is asked to share the room with someone older. This way, a camaraderie is developed between them. It’s amazing to see how one resident takes care of the other.
• Family accommodation– At Astha,we also have a family accommodation available on payment basis. At present we have 2 retired female nurses staying in the family accommodation. They are, indeed, an asset to the Ashram. Being active and energetic, they are always busy doing something or the other. Such as, extending help in the kitchen or keeping a watch on the health of other residents.
• Helping in the kitchen– While at Astha, we have 6 lady cooks on the roll, we encourage our women residents to give a helping hand, which many of them joyfully do. It’s interesting to watch them share valuable tips once a while.
• Playing Carrom, Chess– Indoor games are a good exercise for the mind. Which is why, at Astha we encourage the residents to play chess and carrom. This increases clarity and helps them stay focussed.
• Celebrations–

a) Birthdays of Astha residents are always celebrated with tremendous gaiety and fun. In this respect, we are also thankful to the sponsors and donors who are ever willing to contribute on such occasions.

b) We also celebrate Astha Diwas each year. Special lunch is served on this day.

c) In the same way, at Astha we celebrate all festivals and important events. The important point is that such moments are often accompanied by memories and experiences of yesteryears.

• Competitions– Life would be so dull without competition! Besides, Competition has no age bar. Which is why, at Astha we organize Sport Day, Singing, Rangoli, Painting, Debate and Speech Competitions each year. A Chief Guest is invited and the winners are felicitated.
• Other sundry activities–
  a) At Astha, we have washing machines in all bathroom areas and have a regular staff for washing clothes. However, if a resident is desirous of washing his/her own clothes, we do not discourage.
  b) At Astha, we have sewing machines too. And so, if any woman resident desires to do some stitching or mending, we encourage her in every way.