AFOVA New Letter 2 of Year 2021

Section 6 - Memoirs CV 2 No. 02 / 2021 Page 155 of 332 In the recent past with our own family support [from my husband’s side], Rs. 5 lakhs was mustered and we renovated the kitchen and dining area along with new roof and provided all comforts for their stay. Dining hall has been named as “Janaky’s Kitchen” in memory of my sister-in-law who suddenly died of a heart attack. She loved to cook and serve. When we step out of the confines of our homes, to do “Seva”, family support is most essential. All our endeavours will be futile if there is resentment or unhappiness at home to do ‘Seva’. I feel blessed to have full support of my family in this endeavour. I must mention here how the elders get attached to us, there is a bonding that is indescribable. One of the pattis who wasn’t keeping good health, way back in 2007, told me as I was leaving for Netherlands, “I don’t know whether I will be around when you return and hugged me”. I assured her that she would receive me at the Old Age Home when I return. Apparently her health deteriorated and when I returned she was very serious. I rushed to the Home to see her. She was in the bed, saw me and hugged me. She passed away peacefully the same day. I performed all the rituals like bathing her body, arranging pundit to do the last rites. I felt that I lost someone near and dear that day. I got home and suddenly realised that all the chocolates and cheese that I brought from Netherlands had melted. There are so many incidents that come to my mind, but I must keep them for a later date. Seva of any kind involves the support of not only the family but also other well-wishers, without whom it would be an uphill task. I thank God daily for giving me this opportunity to serve the elders, the abandoned and the downtrodden. Every day prayer includes keeping me thus, serving the elders till the end and to be a bridge between the haves and have nots. About the Author Mrs. Lalitha Mohandas is an alumni of Nirmala College, Coimbatore, where she later served as an Assistant Professor. She has served as a Principal of various Air Force Schools in the Country for over 25 years. She has a brilliant academic record. She was a University rank holder in English. She had been actively involved with Air Force Wives Welfare Association, counselling and guiding women, while her husband was in service. It was a proud privilege for her to have been nominated to the Board of Management, AFWWA, when Mrs Nita Kaul was the President. She has worked with lepers, is doing Seva for the elderly inmates of Engineer Rajinikanth Old Age Home in Selaiyur, and lends a helping hand at the SOS Children’s Village & DK Learning Centre-a school for Special Children, in Tambaram. Both she and her husband are associated with Indian