MANGALDAI, April 20 - Senior citizens are among the most vulnerable during this time of the COVID pandemic. The government has issued special instructions for their care of this section of people while remaining indoors. Fortunately, from interactions with such citizens, it appears that in Mangaldai, most of them are passing the lockdown period without any trouble.
Hareswar Sarma, the executive president of Mangaldai Senior Citizens� Forum, said, �The forum has more than 250 members. The senior most member Dr Sirajul Haque is now 95 years old. Haren Sarma, Prabhat Sarma Shastri, Jivan Ch Sarma and Siba Sarma are in their 90s. A dozen members including Phulendra Nath Saharia, Nagendra Nath Sarma, Dandi Saharia, Ratneswar Sarma Barua are in their 80s. Good news is that apart from minor ailments, they are doing well. Every one has good support from the family,� Sarma said.
Dr Samsul Haque, the youngest son of Dr Sirajul Haque, said, �Except for some hearing loss, abba doesn�t have any health problem. He gets up early for namaz and passes his time reading religious books.�
Dr Nagendra Nath Sarma, a scholar and recipient of Sahitya Sabha SN Brahma Choudhury award, has been passing his time reading books. �I have turned to Kalidas. I am studying Meghdoot after finishing Katha Ramayana by Rajagopalachari. After that I will go for Katha Mahabharata,� he said.
Idris Ali, a lyricist and winner of Parvati Prasad Barua Award, is enjoying his time reading, singing and listening to music. �I am enjoying the acting of Prastuti Parashar and Mridul Bhuya in the mobile theatre show telecast on TV. I have no difficulty in arranging for my medicines. I call up a pharmacy and they immediately supplies it to my doorstep,� Ali said.
However Rani Debi, an octogenarian activist suffering from sciatica disorder said, �My problem recently turned serious and I was compelled to rush to Guwahati with special permission from the SP. Now as per the doctor�s advice, I am almost confined to bed.�
