Back then in 1998, we were new to Bangalore – Malleshwaram area and NEEC gave us an opportunity to meet like-minded people. Over the years, our bond strengthened and today, we are a family. Even at 83, I am actively involved in the activities of the Centre including Yoga. I feel a sense of belonging here. After interacting with the members, I get back home refreshed. I wish there were more such centres around the city so that senior citizens who are alone in the city are benefitted.

NMT invited me to volunteer at their Malleswaram Elders Enrichment Centre when it was set up in 1999. The enrichment centre concept was new and so was the emphasis on attracting volunteers. NMT has always been ahead of its time, identifying emerging needs in eldercare, especially in the economically weaker sections, designing and implementing solutions. These go on to become models for emulation thanks to NMT's exemplary social commitment, innovative spirit and high standards of integrity. My association with NMT gives me hope that we can become a truly empathetic and compassionate society.

Elders Enrichment Centre has become an integral part of my life. I go there to meet friends. Spiritual, intellectual, emotional, literary or musical – no matter what your interest or need is – the centre has something to offer that will enrich you. Getting an opportunity to be a part of this wonderful, unique extended family is a retirement gift for me.

Elders Enrichment Centre provides theraputic refreshment for both mind and body. "See you at the center tomorrow" resonates after every programme. Going to the center and meeting up with friends has become an addiction for most of us.the happy chatter, giggling like teenagers, pulling one another's leg, forgetting all aches and pains and carrying on with our lives is what the members experience at NEEC.

Our Nightingales Elders' Enrichment Center is a boon to elders in and around Malleswaram, Bangalore. It's our fortune that the founder members, an intellectual lot, shaped it as a multifaceted one to suit the requirements of all elders. It's not just a center of recreation, but has made us more self reliant, healthy, compassionate and above all, more confident to lead our lives in a dignified manner. It's also a learning center, where yoga, dance, craft, exercises, local and foreign languages, operating computers and smart phones and many other such skills necessary for the present day world are taught in a friendly way! The empathy that is felt here is of immense value for any senior citizen ! 

My association with NEEC has changed my life totally, I don’t have enough adjectives to qualify and pronounce the real gratification that this association has given me. The companionship that I get from other members of the centre cannot be expressed in words. It beats the loneliness that I would suffer otherwise and comforts me totally. It has given me very finest friends that I may have missed otherwise. The type of programs that NEEC conducts is not only entertaining but educative and sensible. They never miss an important occasion – be it a national significant day or a festive day, to conduct meaningful events to include every member. We have been having enjoyable, entertaining trips to many places and cinemas. Such activities make us forget our age and focus positive aspects of life.

10 years back, I moved to Bangalore, after the demise of my husband. I did not kbow what I was going to do with myself, but could not stay where my husband had spent his last days. I heard of this Centre, where lot of Senior Citizens spend their time together. I joined it thinking I can do some service to those who are in need of help. What surprised me is a whole lot of seniors in age but very young at heart. No one came with any expectations, but they got what they wanted without even asking for it. People had chats and quizes, picnics and temple visits, movies and lunches together, celebrating women's day and men's day. I was surprised, was not prepared for this oasis in my desert. We all seem to be growing younger by the day. Talks by Drs, music performances, lectures, videos of exotic places where the members have travelled, cognitive games, birthday parties.......the list is endless. Besides many volunteers, we have 3 dedicated young ladies who make sure that this little haven runs smoothly without any snags. 

Needless to say,it has been an enriching experience, not just in terms of informative talks. I have made so many friends and over the years, our friendship has strengthened. Our Nightingales family has been family away from our family, so to say, as most of us are living alone . Most of us are actively involved in everything, whether it is in arranging for guest speakers who can give us interesting and informative talks or acts for our Annual day. Quiz programmes are for stimulating our brains, Chitrahaar sessions have us all tapping our feet or humming along, birthday parties with a round of housie are so enjoyable. Suffice it is to say that joining our Enrichment Centre is one of the best things that has ever happened to me.