A wave of joy swept through the Pakalveedu at Kunduparamba this past Friday, September 26, as residents celebrated a remarkable achievement: their daytime senior care home was officially named the best ‘Sayamprabha Home’ in the entire state by the Department of Social Justice.
The occasion was marked with heartwarming festivities, as Mayor Beena Philip, City Corporation welfare standing committee chairman P. Divakaran, and members of the home’s dedicated management committee, led by Councillor K. Reeja, joined the seniors in sharing sweets and smiles.
This latest accolade follows closely on the heels of another recognition, where the department elevated Pakalveedu to a ‘model Sayamprabha Home,’ acknowledging its outstanding facilities and enriching programs for the elderly.
Since its inception in 2022, the Pakalveedu at Kunduparamba has consistently garnered positive attention for its innovative approach to senior engagement. The elderly members here have not only embraced learning new vocational skills but have also turned their leisure time into productive ventures. They proudly produce cleaning solutions, including handwash and dishwash, under their own brand, ‘Grandmom Magic,’ now stocked in local city stores. Their entrepreneurial spirit doesn’t stop there; they’ve recently ventured into agarbatti (incense stick) making and are already planning to launch a rooftop vegetable farming initiative.
While the home boasts a membership of 468 individuals, approximately 90 seniors actively participate daily. Their days are filled with engaging activities, from lively board games to exciting field trips. They find companionship, share life stories, and celebrate all major festivals together, especially significant for those whose children and grandchildren live far away due to work or studies. Conveniently located on the premises of the Kunduparamba public health center, the members also benefit from regular health check-ups, along with nutritious mid-day meals and snacks.
“The proactive spirit of the Kunduparamba home’s management committee is truly exceptional, and it’s a key reason for their consistent recognition. Moreover, the senior citizens themselves are both engaged and insightful. This success is further amplified by the Kozhikode Corporation’s timely support, aligning with our broader vision of making Kozhikode a truly elderly-friendly city,” remarked Mr. Divakaran to The Hindu on Friday.
Kozhikode city currently hosts nine such homes. Six of these – situated in Karuvissery, Mokavoor, Eranhipalam, Thadambattuthazham, Poolakkadavu, and Kunduparamba – are directly administered by the Corporation. The remaining three, located in Eranhikkal, Madhathil Mukku, and Kolathara, are effectively managed by local community groups, highlighting a collaborative effort towards elderly welfare.