A Nonagenarian Gerontologist was born on 30th December 2016
Sri Roop Naryan Mital celebrated his ninetieth birthday on 30th December 2016. The function was in Secunderabad Club in evening hours, followed by (or ending with, may I say) wholesome dinner. The venue, Eastern lawns, was decorated nicely. The club authorities had taken care even to fog the area with anti mosquito spray and lighted coils all around.
Guests started arriving by 6:15 itself giving themselves ample time to socialize and have mutual introductions. Unexpected heavy traffic in the city played a spoilsport preventing many coming in time. In fact, Mr Mital himself could arrive an hour late. Some dignitaries had to rush to another function (it was a wedding day also) and they caught him as he stepped down from the car, greeted him, gave their bouquets and briefly exchanged pleasantries, got his blessings and hurried away! This trend continued for a while, as a few more guests were in a hurry and wanted to wish him first and mark their presence. After almost thirty minutes of such crowding around, he could settle down – I mean literally sit – and ask for some water!
Mr Mital has been working for the cause of senior citizens not just in AP or Telangana but at national level too having been associated with APSCCON, AISCCON, TESCCON, FESCO, FAPSCO, ISU3A , AOSC, SCF, Probus, Lions Clubs etc. Guests who participated came from Mumbai, Guntur, Vizag, Vijayawada, Tenali, Chebrol, Nizamabad, Chennai, Allahabad and elsewhere.
There was a highly informational and inspirational video on the ascendency and achievements of the birthday baby – RNM – prepared with lot of love, care and efforts by Ms Archna Mital. Mr Mital is an enigmatic and silent person who does not reveal himself much; the video threw many pleasant surprises. Several groups belonging to various associations and circles came, sought his blessings, gave presents bouquets and took photos.
Many guests and invitees read out poems, messages, greetings, citations etc, Dr Sobha Perindevi went one step further. She came up with a complete book titled "The Mighty 90" describing several 90+ achievers, of course, Mr Mital as the focal figure. She got the Cover Page released by our Nonagenarian Gerontologist, Sri Roop Narayan Mital Ji, in the august presence of AISCCON President Sri DN Chapke.
After sumptuous dinner, while invitees were leaving, they were given a memorable return gift of some valuable, artistic glassware along with a copy of Prof PV Ramamurty's book "The Joy of Aging". Choice of this book reveals Mr Mital's passion to help everyone connected with him to be happy for ever. All were praising Archana and her husband for a fantastic evening meticulously planned and executed to perfection.
Mr Mital is a bundle of indefatigable energy, ever growing enthusiasm and endless passion for service to senior citizens. Reaching ninety is not the end; just another beginning. Seeking his blessings, I wish him Godspeed, as ALWAYS.
