The senior citizens are stated to be the most vulnerable section of the society during the COVID19 pandemic situation.
The government has also issued some special instructions for the care and protection of this section of the people while remaining indoors in the extended lock down period.
Fortunately, during interactions with a dozen of such citizens or their family members in Mangaldai, it is known that most of them are passing the lockdown period without any major trouble.
Hareswar Sarma, the founder secretary and present executive president of Mangaldai Senior Citizens Forum told Northeast Now said, “The forum has more than 250 members. The senior-most member Dr Sirajul Haque is now 95 years old.”
“Haren Sarma, Prabhat Sarma Shastri, Jivan Ch Sarma and Siba Sarma are the four other members who are in their early nineties,” said Sarma.
He also said, “There are a dozen of members including Phulendra Nath Saharia, Dr Nagendra Nath Sarma, Dandi Saharia and Ratneswar Sarma Barua, who are in their late eighties.”
But the good news is that apart from some old age minor ailments, all of them are currently doing well.
Each one of them has good support from their families in both financial and palliative ways, he added.
“I have informed it to Manimala Gogoi, the district public relation officer, who enquired about their well beings,” Sarma maintained.
Talking to this correspondent, Dr Samsul Haque, the youngest son of Dr Sirajul Haque said, “Except some hearing loss, abba (dad) doesn’t have any health related problem. He uses to get up very early from bed for Namaz and passes his time by reading religious books.”
In the same manner, Dr Nagendra Nath Sarma, a scholar and recipient of Sahitya Sabha SN Brahma Choudhury award, has been passing most of his time by reading prominent books.
“I have now turned Kalidas. I am studying Meghdoot after finishing Katha Ramayana by Raja Gopalachari. After that I will go for Katha Mahabharata,” said Dr Sarma with a smile on his face.
Meanwhile, Idris Ali, a prominent lyricist and winner of Parvati Prasad Barua award, is enjoying his lockdown time by reading, singing and listening to music.
“I’m spending my time by reading, singing, listening to music and enjoying Prastuti Parashar and Mridul Bhuyan’s acting in the mobile theatre show being telecast on TV channel,” said Ali.
“I have no difficulty in arranging my medicines. I call up Pratiksha Pharmacy and they immediately supply it to my door step,” Ali informed.
However, Rani Devi, the leading octogenarian woman activist is currently suffering from sciatica disorder.
“My problem of sciatica disorder has recently turned serious and compelled me to rush to Guwahati with a special permission from the SP. Now as per the doctor’s advice, I am almost confined to my bed,” said Devi.