On April 11th and 12th, 2025, Snehan members had the privilege of attending a national-level conference titled “Intergenerational Bonding and Ageing in Place: Pathways to Understand Geriatric Mental Health.” Held at Pondicherry University and organized by the Department of Social Work.
The event was a remarkable opportunity to deepen our knowledge and enhance our ability to serve in our field. The conference brought together 175 participants from across India, all dedicated to working with aging populations in various specializations. Representing Snehan Home, Mr. Anumuthu, Mrs. Esther Rani, and Mrs. Sheeba Rani actively participated in this enriching experience.
The topic of geriatric mental health is profoundly relevant in today’s world. For over a decade, Snehan has been committed to supporting neglected elderly individuals who are sick and dying on the streets of Pondicherry. We’ve faced countless questions about the behaviors, deteriorating health, changing habits, and expectations of our beneficiaries. These unanswered questions often left us struggling to fully understand and support our beloved elderly residents.
However, the insights gained during these two days provided clarity and guidance, answering many of our pressing concerns. One touching example from our work involves an 80-year-old bedridden man who was abandoned by his family despite having provided them with wealth and opportunities. His family, now settled abroad, left him alone in India during his final days. We cared for him tenderly, treating him like a child in his vulnerable state. One day, he tearfully requested that I end his suffering with an injection—a plea that pierced my heart. I embraced him and reassured him that he was never a burden and that I would stand by him until his last moments.
This experience underscores a painful truth: as children, we often fail to truly understand and support our parents, taking much from them but offering so little in return when they need us most. At Snehan, we strive to bring light to those living in darkness, offering care and compassion to the elderly who have been forgotten.
