LOS ANGELES: Senior citizens here are feeling new life in their group meetings organized by Umi Mukherjee,
Historically, parents of Indo Americans come with great hope of the happiness to be found here. After some time they find their life very lonely and boring. (Their adult children go to work and come home exhausted. The grand children do not understand their language and habits.)
Umi Mukherjee picked up the courage, idea and seed of service and perseverance from her father. He used to organize senior citizens group in London,
She is from Kenya, born and raised in a Punjabi family. She migrated to London, got training to be a nurse, Later she got her Master’s degree in Public Health. Her husband Manoj Mukherjee is a real estate developer and encourages her in social service activities. Her kids are also very supportive of her activities.
Basic idea is to bring the senior citizens out of their boring, lonely environments and provide a healthy, happy , atmosphere among peers of their own age, Umi divides the 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. meeting into social hour, light ‘exercise: and meditation, sometimes a talk by an expert, tea and snacks, Occasionally a trip is organized, e.g. they went to Catalina Island last month. Her goal is to create a family of seniors of all religions and from all parts of India or from other parts of the world. These seniors are from different parts of India and are four different religions. One thing in common they all look forward to their meeting. Umi selected North Hollywood Lanker shim gurdwara being centrally located for L.A. It has a beautiful hall for exercise and meetings. The management of the Gurdwara happily provided all the facilities she needed to organize her group. She invites all the seniors regardless of religion or area to come and join. Simply call her (818) 591-0710, A volunteer transportation is provided.
Article extracted from this publication >> Aug 28, 1992
