ednesday, 6 October, 2004 was an eventful day for the Senior Citizens’ Group of Pirojshanagar, who were invited by the Pragati Kendra and the Garden Department to plant trees in the Hillside area at Vikhroli (West).

Horticulturist Aarti K. Bhambore, Executive, Garden Department, and her band of garden workers greeted us at the site. There were 15 of us, along with five volunteers. Approximately 21 pits had already been dug. We were provided with tree saplings, which had been pre-grown in pots/drums. There were a variety of plants, from acacia and badaam to flowering varieties and decorative ones. My plant was a thin and long one with pretty leaves. Since its botanical name was longer than the plant, I decided to give it my own name and called it Bilimoria’s Tree!

After each of us had planted a sapling, the pits were covered with fresh soil by volunteers. It was a thrilling experience for us.

We are deeply grateful to Susmita R. Singh, Senior Executive, Pragati Kendra, and the Garden Department, who had taken the initiative to organise this event.

Impressions

n 21 October, 2004 we were invited to visit the Godrej Memorial Hospital at Pirojshanagar, Vikhroli. Dr. Arvind M. Joglekar, Chief Executive Officer of the Hospital, took our group of 15 to a hall where, over a hot cup of tea, he explained the aims, policies and rules of the institution. We learnt that this is the only Hospital in our area which offers modern, specialised services to patients at affordable rates. The structure itself is so impressive, and the interiors give the impression of a five-star hotel!

On 23 October, 2004 the Pirojshanagar Senior Citizens’ Group visited Uttan Village, about 40 kilometres from Mumbai. At 7 a.m., 10 of us boarded a Tata Sumo LCV and reached the village near Bhayander at 10 a.m. We were taken to Keshav Shrishti, the Ayurvedic Research Centre, where 150 cows are tended with utmost care. We saw plants grown for medicinal purposes, as well as trees with bountiful flowers and fruits. We also visited an Indian residential school run entirely for NRI children. The aim of the school is to inculcate Indian values and traditions in children. It was a day well spent.

Homi Bilimoria
Pirojshanagar Senior Citizens’ Group