Senior women of Dayalbagh तेरह छप्पर leading an enriching & socially fulfilling life

Aldous Huxley, the English writer, novelist, philosopher said,

“The secret of genius is to carry the spirit of the child into old age, which means never losing your enthusiasm.”

Respecting our elders is a value and quality that should be ingrained in everyone. In today’s rapidly evolving world and with the meaning of family unit shrinking, elders are no longer treated with respect.

Today, I bring you a story of these amazing senior women in Dayalbagh, living an active and socially useful life, a story (and the photographs) that will bring cheer to your hearts. The story of the

Senior women of Dayalbagh Terah Chappar (तेरह छप्पर) leading an enriching & socially active and useful life

This story is written by Dr. Gur Pyari Satsangi, In-charge of Terah Chappar (तेरह छप्पर) and Professor in the Faculty of Education at Dayalbagh Educational Institute (DEI), assisted by our regular contributor Prof. Sarla Paul, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Education at DEI.

Let your hearts glow,
Anurag
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Dr. Gur Pyari and Prof. Sarla Paul write...

Complementing old age Robert Browning a Victorian poet remarked:

“Grow old along with me! The best is yet to be,

The last of life, for which the first was made.

Our times are in His hands who saith,

A whole I planned, youth shows but half;

Trust God: See all, nor be afraid.”

People are generally apprehensive of the repercussions of old age. Their apprehensions are based on the prevailing scene in society where there is a loss of compassion and respect for the old and debilitated members of the family. We have become desensitized towards our core values which are an indispensable part of our culture. It is regretful to see that parents and grand parents who willingly helped their offspring and willingly endured extreme hardships with a sense of pleasure in bringing up their children and grand children, are neglected and ill treated by their own kith and kin in return when they grow old and are in dire need of help and support from them.

Getting old is an inevitable process. With advancement of age, the physical strength and vigour are no doubt affected but, on the other hand, with old age comes maturity, wisdom and insight, which should be utilized by the younger generation for their well being. There is an Italian proverb which says ‘If nothing is going well, call your grandmother.’

The older generations needs society's affection and attention. Caring for them benefits us in many ways and prepares us to face life in fulfillment and satisfaction. In bringing up and nurturing children the major role is that of mothers. They must be accorded proper respect and importance in the family and the society at large when they are old.

Emphasizing the need of giving proper status to women in the society, Revered Sir Anand Sarup ji remarked, ‘Let the Indians rise and become conscious of the vital importance of giving liberal and useful education to their women, of behaving towards the fair sex in a manner worthy of them, of according to them the respect and regard which is their right, and with the grace of the Supreme Father, we shall progress and prosper and in the fullness of time become a model society worthy of emulation by other ambitious and progressive communities of India.’

As is expressed in the foregoing lines, due care has been taken for safe, respectful, self dependent and socially useful life of the old ladies of the colony of Dayalbagh. They lead a respectful life together inside the colony. It is designated as Terah Chhappar (तेरह छप्पर - a line of thirteen quarters with thatched roofs, rather tiled roofs). It is an opportunity given to them based on what H. W. Longfellow an American poet stated:

‘For age is opportunity no less than youth itself, though in another dress,

And as the evening twilight fades away,

The sky is filled with stars invisible by the day.’  

Inception of Terah Chhappar and its Historical Perspective:

These Quarters were constructed towards the western side of the Community Satsang Hall for the stay of Satsangis in the year 1918 after the foundation of the colony of Dayalbagh in 1915. In the year, 1993 it was converted into an ‘Old Age Home’ and it was meant exclusively for the residence of old ladies of the community. These women are allotted independent accommodation. Their houses consist of one room with an outer enclosed veranda and an attached toilet at present. At the front side is a vast ground enclosed by a boundary wall  which serves the purpose of safety and privacy.

Terah Chappar was started with two major objectives. Firstly, enabling the old ladies of the colony to participate in Dayalbagh and Satsang Activities independently, with cooperation and sense of social responsibility without any  interference from their family members. Secondly, to take part in the organisation of welfare programme for the old ladies and children of the community. The scope of activities of the residents has developed manifold and at present the activities of Terah Chappar residents include:

Regular and Systematic Routine: 

The women follow a prescribed regular and systematic routine and thus keep themselves busy through the day and are relieved from unnecessary idle talks, loneliness or negative thoughts. Their daily  routine spans from 4:30 AM to 9 PM. The day starts at 4:30 AM, when they get ready to offer prayer in the Community Satsang Hall. This is followed by Physical Training exercises in a group and then taking part in agricultural work which is a fundamental  part of the life within  the colony. After Breakfast, which is provided to them on minimal subscription in which they can also offer assistance turn-wise,  they take part is some other  selfless service activities suited to  their interest and capability. It is both community service and also  keeps  them  engaged. This serves as a means of fulfillment of their earnest inclination and yearning to remain active and useful to the community till their last breath.

After lunch which is served to them in the dining hall, they take  rest for a short while  in the afternoon. There is arrangement for regular visits of a team of doctors who are available to them to keep them mentally and physically fit and healthy. In the evening they attend Satsang in the community Satsang Hall. Their day concludes with an  early dinner followed by collective prayer in their own hall and then they go to bed with a sense of utmost satisfaction, rejuvenating for the next day.

   

Production of Material for Consumption in Dayalbagh:

The Ladies engage themselves in production and supply of articles for Dayalbagh residents or Satsangis which also serves to support their income. The various skill-based activities include weaving mattresses, chairs, stools, table mats, etc. handicrafts i.e. crochet work, embroidery, block printing, assisting in the preparation of baked food items i.e. Nan Khatai etc..

Seva Activities:

The Ladies take part in multiple Seva activities in an organised and formally assigned manner. The various  seva include Pahra duty (watch & ward duty), helping medically unfit and handicapped ladies, assisting in the preparation of breakfasts, lunch and dinner, extending assistance and support in organising various events and functions in their premises, preparation of Aam ka Panna  for the children who give pahra (watch and ward duty) in the day time during summer vacations etc.

Cultural and Personality Development Programmes:

They take part in cultural activities which include singing devotional songs, dancing and dramatisation on current topics etc. Their organisation of annual cultural function is a source of their entertainment and an outlet and expression of their feelings and emotions, and helps in purging from their minds of any strong negative and undesirable emotions. These serve for their wholesome personality development. On such occasions  they are blessed with the presence of Revered Prof. Satsangi.

Games and Sports:

It is an annual feature in which they take part in various games and sports with full  energy and vigour and a cheering audience, re-living their highly active days. It gives them pleasure and makes their minds active and energetic

Organisation of Summer School for Children:

This a novel  feature which started from the year 2003. Since then it is regularly organised for 21 days starting around 5th May and culminating by the first week of June  every year. In it children living in Dayalbagh, studying in classes one to ten, get their names enrolled. They follow a regular routine, get coaching in various school subjects and take part in physical exercises, cultural, literary and dramatic activities. Certain competitions are organised in which all the children participate with full zeal. The main purpose is to help children utilize their summer time fruitfully and for the ladies, it is an additional avenue for rendering  selfless service where the women of Terah Chappar actively participate.

Organising Literacy Classes:

Education is the basic need of all especially of women folk as has been emphatically pronounced by Sir Anand Sarup ji, the August Founder of Dayalbagh, ‘The Indian women have begun to show signs of an awakening, taking the foremost  part in the varied public activities, suffering extreme hardships most cheerfully, adapting themselves to new and novel conditions in a splendid manner and generally showing to the world that, given suitable opportunities, they will not be found lacking grit, determination and enthusiasm.’ These classes are arranged with the support of literate ladies for the benefit of those who remained deprived of this facility during their formative years. It is never too late to learn.

My deep respect for this great example of Community Living!