Malappuram Municipality is making history by inaugurating India’s very first air-conditioned day-care center for the elderly this Tuesday, September 16th. Named ‘Pakalveedu’ (meaning ‘day home’), this pioneering facility marks the latest significant step in the municipality’s comprehensive efforts to enhance the well-being of thousands of senior citizens residing within its jurisdiction.
Designed with state-of-the-art amenities, Pakalveedu provides a serene and stimulating space for individuals over 60 to relax and socialize throughout the day. Municipal Chairperson Mujeeb Kaderi emphasized that “the initiative’s core purpose is to provide a comfortable and engaging environment, ensuring our elders feel valued and supported.”
Beyond a spacious main hall, the center boasts a dedicated doctor’s consulting room, an administrative office, and comfortable restrooms. Municipal authorities proudly state that Pakalveedu is currently the only air-conditioned facility of its kind for the elderly in India. Attendees will also be treated to complimentary tea, refreshments, and a nutritious lunch, generously sponsored by the Malayil Foods Group, led by Mohammed Gaddafi.
Health and wellness are a priority, with a dedicated team of doctors from the municipality’s ‘Vayomitram’ scheme conducting weekly medical check-ups and camps for all visitors. Furthermore, the municipality is organizing an unprecedented excursion in October: a day-long picnic to Wayanad for over 3,000 senior citizens. Mr. Kaderi excitedly remarked, “This is set to be another landmark event, truly demonstrating our unwavering commitment to elder welfare.”
The project has garnered significant community support, with numerous philanthropists stepping forward. Notably, P.M. Hamza Haji generously donated the land for the Melmuri day-care center. While a temporary Pakalveedu facility has operated for a couple of years, this new, permanent structure with enhanced amenities is expected to elevate the standard of senior citizen welfare to unprecedented heights.
The grand inauguration ceremony will take place on Tuesday morning, with E.T. Mohammed Basheer, MP, officiating. Municipal Chairperson Mr. Kaderi will preside over the event, and Mr. Gaddafi will attend as the esteemed chief guest.
Mr. Kaderi proudly asserted that Malappuram Municipality has become a national role model through its diverse and impactful initiatives dedicated to senior citizen welfare.
Among these initiatives, the municipality provided premium food kits – containing items like Horlicks, Boost, and cornflakes – to over 6,000 senior citizens for more than three years following the COVID-19 pandemic. “This was truly a pioneering effort,” Mr. Kaderi recalled.
Further demonstrating its dedication, the municipality has also offered essential support such as beds, assistive devices, hearing aids, and general medical assistance. Their ‘Badaai Bazaar’ initiative, which created a lively recreational space for the elderly during daytime hours, also garnered national recognition for its thoughtful approach to community engagement.