It was my first exposure to the Pongal Festival organised by Nana Nani management at Ananya`s Gaushala. What an experience it was! I was overwhelmed by the mega event to which the residents of all six Phases of Nana Nani Homes were invited.
The huge property where the Gaushala is located was transformed into a Mega Rural Fair, complete with food courts where visitors were served a choice of fruits, snacks, and beverages. They could also witness the typical games that are played in rural areas. As a rural marketing specialist, I have participated in hundreds of Mega Melas in Rural India promoting my clients` products. This Mela was different. It was like a happy family get-together of the Appas and Ammas of Nana Nani. It was meticulously planned and executed by the dynamic team of Ananya group under the inspiring leadership of Dr Uma Maheshwari. The location of the Mela in the well-run Gaushala lent authenticity to the celebrations coinciding with the Mattu Pongal theme. There was the traditional display of pots with overflowing milk to the chanting of `Pongalo Pongal` by the visitors, complete with the `Patti Pongal `featuring a favourite cow decked up for the occasion being worshipped.
The way the Cows, numbering 450 with their identification numbers, were roaming around within their enclosures was a sight to behold. I understand that this scientifically run Gaushala, looked after by the committed staff and qualified veterinarians, yields on average 1200 litres of milk, which is used in all milk and milk-based products supplied to the residents in Nana Nani.
My sister, a resident of Asiana Subham, a senior citizen Home in Chennai, during her recent visit to Phase 4, commended the high quality of milk and curds supplied at Nana Nani as compared to what she gets in her Home in Asiana.
No Mela is complete without the mandatory entertainment programme. I was proud to witness the very first item by members of Phase 4. A prayer song on the theme specially written for the occasion by the multi-talented Shylaja. It was composed by the MSV of Phase 4 Padmanabhan, and sung by the Nightingales of Phase 4 – Bhanu, Usha Padmanabhan and Radha Shanakarraman. They were accompanied by the talented dancing trio of Meera, Meena and Bhooma. While all other Phases were given only one slot to display their talents, Phase 4 had the privilege of having a second dance number led by Vidya Venkatachlam, the `mover & shaker` of Phase 4, supported by her team. Kudos to both teams for keeping the flag of Phase 4 flying high.
Although the uneven flooring surface, despite the beautiful carpets covering it, and the high toilets were a cause for anxiety for many elders like me, I was happy to hear that the event, with thousands of residents attending, passed off without any hitch or untoward incidents. It was indeed a memorable event.
Hearty congratulations to the management of the Ananya group for organising such a get-together of Nana Nanians year after year. God Bless them.
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