A VISIT TO ‘ARATI PRINCESS NEST’ -A HOME AWAY FROM HOME

It was on a balmy Monday morning on the 3rd of February 2020 that we took the road to Kanaipur near Konnagar in Hooghly district. A close friend of us, who was staying for about a month in a place described by him as an ‘old age home’, had invited us to spend a day with him. We were three in the group, my wife, our son and I. 

The road to ‘Kanaipur’ was excellent. Partly driving on a national highway and partly on a state highway we reached our destination within an hour and a half, in spite of the traffic bottleneck near the Santragachi station.

Konagar rail station is only two kilometres away and rickshaws are available in plenty. 

We had heard so much from our friend that we had already formed a mental image about our destination. On reaching there, we found that it was much more than what we had expected. 

Entering the premise, we suddenly found ourselves in the midst of a sea-bed of flowers and a stately assembly of imposing foliage. We could never have realised that greenness was so comforting and alluring. We were met by our friend and the young entrepreneur-TAPAS SARKAR. This noble venture is his brainchild. His idea is to provide a home away from home, for senior citizens and others willing to join a socially active vibrant community, away from the stifling urban environment.

We also learnt, in course of our discussions that, apart from a permanent residence of mainly senior citizens, others could come and stay for selected periods if they wanted to. Whether you wanted to be a permanent boarder or a guest for a selected period was left to you. It was this flexibility of terms is an added advantage. 

Immediately after entering, a temple, shaded by trees stood on its own redolent glory, amidst a tranquil and peaceful environment. 

Ambling along the pathway, we were greeted by flowering- trees in full-bloom on either side -extending their warm welcome. We met a  group of residents huddled together in a round of benches arranged in the midst of another garden by the side. 

Very first thing that struck was their welcoming smile. Those we met were not gaunt and weary faced elderly people. On the contrary, they were a cohesive group with bright happy faces. Nearly all of them were eager to interact. Our conversation covered different subject of topical interest with the residents taking an active part. 

The sprawling complex was divided into two main residential buildings, one of which , under construction, is expected to be six - storied high. There would be rooms and suites to suit all budgets. The rooms might be of different types but it was clear to us that the residents were all members of an active cohesive group. 

What is particularly impressive about the place is that the sprawling

area is mainly covered in green and not in concrete. A large water-body at one end of the complex is an added advantage. The trees and the water were also the habitat of large number of birds visible throughout the day; particularly in the morning and the evening. 

The community we met at the ‘Nest’ was a community which anyone would be happy to belong to. All social and religious functions are held with full and active participation of the residents. To me it appeared that this was a community which was engaged in activities which any other community in any other part of the country would be engaged in.

It was clear that Tapas, the prime mover in the whole venture does not have a profit- only motive. To us he appeared to be someone with a mission to fulfil, where money is essential but service to a group of

elderly people is more important. All amenities, activities and facilities are organized from that end in view.

Tapas is ably assisted by his wife and son, and has been able to build a dedicated and efficient team to work with them for the common objective of making the residents happy and part of a vibrant active

community. Our day came to end sooner than expected and it was time for us to head back to the city; but then something in me kept on telling me that we shall be back again to visit this happy home.