The Wooden Bowl

The Wooden Bowl


By Ramona Moreno Winner, BrainStorm3000

A frail old man went to live with his son, daughter-in-law, and four-year grandson. The old man's hands trembled, his eyesight was blurred, and his step faltered. The family ate together at the table. But the elderly grandfather's shaky hands and failing sight made eating difficult. Peas rolled off his spoon onto the floor. When he grasped the glass, milk spilled on the tablecloth.

The son and daughter-in-law became irritated with the mess. "We must do something about Grandfather," said the son. "I've had enough of his spilled milk, noisy eating, and food on the floor". So the husband and wife set a small table in the corner. There, Grandfather ate alone while the rest of the family enjoyed their dinners together.

Since Grandfather had broken a dish or two, his food was served in a wooden bowl. When the family glanced in Grandfather's direction, sometimes he had a tear in his eye as he sat alone. Still, the only words the couple had for him were sharp admonitions when he dropped a fork or spilled food.

The four-year-old watched it all in silence. One evening before supper, the father noticed his son playing with wood scraps on the floor. He asked the child sweetly, "What are you making?" Just as sweetly, the boy responded, "Oh, I am making a little bowl for you and Mama to eat your food in when you get old." The four year old smiled and went back to work.

The words so struck the parents that they were speechless. Then tears started to stream down their cheeks. Though no word was spoken, both knew what must be done. That evening the husband took Grandfather's hand and gently led him back to the family table. For the remainder of his days he ate every meal with the family. And for some reason, neither husband nor wife seemed to care any longer when a fork was dropped, milk spilled, or the tablecloth soiled.


Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663
Website: http://www.omashram.org/
Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htmhttp://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

4th Unit of Omashram Old Age Homes inaugurated

Shri Cousalya Raman, the oldest male resident of Omashram

inaugurates the 4th Unit.

Mohan Pai, Founder Chairman of Omashram Trust helps Shri Cousalya Raman light the lamp. Geeta Shankar, Managing Trustee on the right.

Sathyanarayana Puja in progress

The 4th Unit of Omashram Old Age Homes at Devarchikkanhalli was inaugurated on Sunday, December 13, 2009.The new prmises with a large garden space will accommodate 25 additional abandoned elderly taking the total number of Omashram community to 60 old residents.


Satyanarayana Puja was performed on the occasion followed by lunch for the elderly residents, visitors & staff.

Mrs. Uma Pai(Inner Wheel, Koramangala) brought a group of blid singers from Samarthanam and their recital enlivened the occasion.

Uma Pai & Blind singers from Samarthana

Residents of Omashram

                                                                                                 Aarti

Lunch Time

                                                                                                                                              Chandraprabha & Megha

Dedicated staff of Omashram

                                                                                                               Lata & Geeta, dancing away.


Contact us:

Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
Website: http://www.omashram.org/
Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Self-Portrait Group, Bangalore

From Self-Portrait Group, Bangalore with Love

A five-member team of Help-Portrait group of Bangalore descended at Omashram on the morning of December 12, 2009. Their mission: Shoot portrait pictures of all the old folks at Omashram and give it absolutely free to each resident of Omashram. This is indeed a novel and unique idea to help and create awareness for social causes.

The team members were 1. Indu Antony 2. Aditya Mukherji 2. Rahul Menon 4. Anwar Donald 5. Kshitiz Anand - all of them enthusiastic and avid photographers. The team spent the whole day at Omashram chatting with the the old folks of Omashram and shooting their portraits.

ABOUT SELF-PORTRAIT GROUP

The brainchild of celebrity photographer Jeremy Cowart, Help-Portrait is a movement of photographers, coming together in every major city, to use their photography skills to give back to the community. On December 12th, photographers around the world will be grabbing their cameras, finding people in need, and taking their picture.

When the prints are ready, the photographs get delivered. Yep. It really is that easy. And by the way, we don't want to see your photos. This is about GIVING the pictures, not taking them. These portraits are not for your portfolio, website, or for sale. Money isn't involved here.

Thank you Self-Portrait Group for the initiative and your concern for the OLD at OMASHRAM.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust.
December 13, 2009

Invitation - Inauguration of Unit 4 of Omashram Old Age Homes

An invitation to all our donors, friends & well-wishers.

Omashram Trust, Bangalore

cordially invite you to the inauguration of

the 4th unit of Omashram Old Age Homes

at Devarchikkanhalli, Bannerghatta Road,

Bangalore 560 076

on December 13, 2009 at 10.30 a.m.

and for Satyanarayan Puja

being performed at the venue.

 

Omashram Trust is happy to announce the launch of its fourth unit located in the same compound as Unit no. 2 in peaceful and serene surroundings with a large garden space. The new unit will accommodate 20-25 additional old & abandoned elderly residents with full board taking the total community of the old folks to 55-60 elderly.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman
Geeta Shankar,
Managing Trustee,
Prarthana Unkalkar,
Trustee.

December 3, 2009
R.S.V.P. Geeta Shankar: 9845567663

World Diabetes Day - 14th November

World Diabetes Day – November 14

Diabetes is a condition where in the body does not produce enough insulin or produces ineffective insulin leading to an increase in blood sugar levels.

What do the recent statistics say?

India, China, US in the order is the top three countries having the largest number of Diabetic population. India has been termed as the ‘DIABETIC CAPITAL OF THE WORLD’. Statistics reveal that there are approximately 33 million adults with diabetes in India. This number is likely to increase to 57.2 million by the year 2025. People dread this disorder and some have the trouble of accepting that they have diabetes and making the required modification in their lifestyle. These problems arise if you do not know the facts about Diabetes. Here are some of the FAQ which will help to bust certain myths and make you aware of the facts.

How do I know if I have Diabetes?

The early stages of diabetes have very few symptoms, so you may not know you have the disease. Symptoms of diabetes may include the following:

· Extreme thirst

· Extreme hunger

· Frequent urination

· Sores or bruises that heal slowly

· Dry, itchy skin

· Unexplained weight loss

· Blurry vision

· Unusual tiredness or drowsiness

· Tingling or numbness in the hands or feet

· Frequent or recurring skin, gum, bladder or vaginal yeast infections

Screening is usually done with a blood test. Blood test during fasting as well as after having meals (post prandial) would be a good indicator to find out whether a person is diabetic or not. Fasting blood sugar for a normal person should be between 80-125mg/dl.

Some of you may say, “I am just 30+ yrs old; I will not get Diabetes, so why should I worry about it now?”

More and more young people between the ages of 30-45 are becoming prone to Diabetes. It is no longer a disease for the aged! The main reason being changes in lifestyle pattern i.e. major deviations in diet; decreased physical activity due to improved transportation and availability of energy-saving devices; a high level of mental stress associated with modernization. So if you have any two of the risk factors like a family history of Diabetes, overweight, a sedentary lifestyle accompanied by stress then you are more likely to end up having high blood sugar levels. So keep a tab on the risk factors and get yearly health check up done.

Some of you may say, “My parents are Diabetic; I will get the disease anyway, so in what way I can prevent this by taking precautions?”

If you follow a healthy lifestyle like having a well balanced diet with good amount of exercise every day, try to maintain your body weight in the normal range and also know how to handle stress then chances are that you might end up not having Diabetes at all or at least delay the onset of the disease.

Some may ask a question, “I am taking medications for Diabetes; my sugar levels are well controlled, I avoid sugar wherever possible; then what should I do more on diet/exercise?

Managing Diabetes most effectively involves a three prong approach…., Diet, exercise and medications. This goes a long way in preventing fluctuations in blood sugar levels and also in preventing the complications. Good news for recently diagnosed diabetics! You can maintain blood sugar levels without popping any pills! This is possible by following a healthy and well balanced diet along with some exercises. Those who are not careful about their diet may end up taking more and more drugs or taking more units of insulin which is a huge strain not only on your purse but also on your overall health. Consulting a team of professionals would help you to manage Diabetes in a controlled manner, minimizing its complications.

Let me tell you now, “What precautions should you take to prevent Diabetes?”

The main risk factors for the onset of Diabetes can be divided into two parts – modifiable and non-modifiable.

· Non-modifiable include – high racial susceptibility to Diabetes and family history of Diabetes

· Modifiable include – unhealthy eating habits, sedentary lifestyle, overweight and central obesity, high stress levels

Modifiable risk factors are in your hands! You need to take precautions against them and ensure that you can delay/prevent the onset of this disorder.

So are you motivated enough to do what it takes to prevent Diabetes?

Do you want to know the best way to prevent Diabetes?

Do you want to know how to take the first step towards the prevention?

Are you worried about the health of your family and want to safe guard it?

The slogan of World Diabetes Day 2009 is “Understand Diabetes and Take Control”

Prevention is lot more economical than the cost of recovery!

So what are you waiting for? Act now. If you want Health Managers to help manage your Risk….Contact us to take the first step towards good health!

Courtesy: 2mpower Health Management Services Private Ltd.
#658, 17th D Main, 6th Block, Near Koramangala Club, Koramangala, Bangalore-560095
Phone: +91 80 4143 5601/02, Email: health@2mpower.in, Website: http://www.2mpower.in/
 
 
Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663


Website: http://www.omashram.org/

Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

Help us help the helpless elderly

In the evening of
their lives, abandoned

by their near and dear ones...

Help us help them.

(there are 35 helpless, abandoned elders at Omashram)

Help us help the helpless elderly.

Omashram Trust is a charitable trust founded in the year 2001 with the objective of providing care and succor to the old. At Omashram Old Age Home we have 35 old, abandoned souls being cared for.

The trust is now into the ninth year of its existence. The past eight years have been years of struggle and considerable odds to keep this fledgling institution afloat. We have been able to continue to do this good work through the benevolence extended by kind-hearted, altruistic individuals and corporate donors alike.

Omashram provides residential care with full boarding & lodging facility to the old with medical care nursing care to the old belonging mostly to poor & middle class individuals (above 60 years of age) of all denominations

At present the facility is housed in three separate rented premises all located nearby in the Vijaya Bank colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore South. At present there are 35 residents. Unfortunately, this is the maximum capacity of the facility without cramming.

It takes Rs. 5,000/- per month for us to ensure good health and food for one elderly individual in our Ashram. We invite all individuals who feel strongly for our cause to come forward and extend their support by donating in cash or kind or by sponsoring one resident of the Ashram.

Mohan Pai,
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


All contributions to Omashram Trust are exempt under section 80G of the IT Act.

Cheques/DDs may please be made in the name of “Omashram Trust, Bangalore” at the address given below.
Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076.  A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297

For foreign contributions:
Omashram Trust
Sb A/c No. 2433101006399 Code No, CNRB0002433
Canara Bank, BTM Layout Branch, Bangalore 560076


Help us help the helpless elderly.

Become a member and lend
a helping hand.


This request is being sent to you as you are a friend and well-wisher of ours with a deep concern for the care of the elderly. At Omashram Old Age Home we have 35 old, abandoned souls being cared for. By becoming a member, you will be endorsing your concern in a positive way. Please opt for any one of the following memberships:

1. Patron Member One-time contribution: Rs. 1,00,000/-

2. Life Member One-time contribution: Rs. 10,000/-

3. Ordinary Member Annual contribution: Rs. 500/-

Patron Member & Life Member can choose a day on which a lunch will be hosted for the residents of Omashram once a year. There will be an annual get together for the local members at Bangalore. Local members can also celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, etc. with the elders at Omashram.

Please fill in the following coupon and mail it to us along with your payment. You can also directly credit the amount into our bank account. Your contributions for this cause are also exempt under section 80 G of the IT Act.

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman.
Bangalore.

MEMBERSHIP COUPON


Name:______________________________________________Address_______________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Phone:

Membership opted for: Patron/Life/Ordinary
Payment made by Cash/Cheque/DD/ in the name of Omashram Trust, Bangalore.

Amount__________________________________Bank:_________________________________

Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076.  A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297


Date:                                                                                                             Signature



An appeal to our benevolent friends & donors

Please be a host and sponsor breakfast or lunch for the old, abandoned folks
at Omashram Old Age Home and be ‘Annadata’.
 
  You can show your positive support for the care of the old by sponsoring one-time breakfast, lunch, or a whole-day meal (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) for 35 elderly at Omashram under “Annadata” scheme.

You can contribute towards any one of the following:

Breakfast: Rs. 2,000/-
Lunch: Rs. 4,000/-
Whole-day meal: Rs. 7,000/-

The Elderly at Omashram will be thankful & bless you for your act of kindness to them. If you are in Bangalore, you could join in the repast that you would be sponsoring for the old folks..

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


Contact us:
Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
 
Website: http://www.omashram.org Blogs: http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm

An appeal to our benevolent friends & donors

Please be a host and sponsor breakfast or lunch for the old, abandoned folks at Omashram Old Age Home and be  ‘Annadata’.
 
You can show your positive support for the care of the old by sponsoring one-time breakfast, lunch, or a whole-day meal (Breakfast, lunch & dinner) for 35 elderly at Omashram under “Annadata” scheme.

You can contribute towards any one of the following:
Breakfast: Rs. 2,000/-
Lunch: Rs. 4,000/-
Whole-day meal: Rs. 7,000/-

The Elderly at Omashram will be thankful & bless you for your act of kindness to them. If you are in Bangalore, you could join in the repast that you would be sponsoring for the old folks.

Blessings from the elders at Omashram.

Mohan Pai
Founder & Chairman,
Omashram Trust, Bangalore


All contributions to Omashram Trust are exempt under section 80G of the IT Act.

Cheques/DDs may please be made in the name of “Omashram Trust, Bangalore” at the address given below.
Direct credit may also be made into the account of Omashram Trust at ICICI Bank, 16th Main,
BTM Layout, II Stage, Bangalore 560 076
A/c No. 029701004820 Bank Code: ICICI0000297


Contact us:


Omashram Trust, 850, 5th Cross, 11th Main, Vijaya Bank Colony, Bilekahalli, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore 560 076, INDIA. Phone: 080-26581682 Mobile:9845567663 email: info@omashram.org
Website: http://www.omashram.org/

Omashram blogs
http://oldagecare-paimohan.blogspot.com/
http://omashram.wordpress.com/
http://omashram.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://mohanpai.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
http://geetaoldagecare.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm