Former Senior Citizens Bureau chairman M. Singaraja passes away
The Hindu
Under captain M Singaraja’s leadership, the Bureau took various initiatives to develop inter-generational bond and support home-alone seniors
Former chairman of the Senior Citizens Bureau Dr. Captain M. Singaraja passed away at the age of 87. A well-known voice in the city speaking up for the welfare of senior citizens, Capt. Singaraja was one of the early members of Probus Club of Chennai when it was established in the city in 1992 before joining the Senior Citizens Bureau where he last served as chairman emeritus.
Under his leadership, the Bureau took various initiatives to develop inter-generational bond and support home-alone seniors. With students of Ethiraj College for Women, ‘Talk to your granny’, a phone-only initiative was launched to connect with seniors who needed companionship. Well-known geriatrician Dr. V.S. Natarajan, who was also past chairman of Senior Citizens Bureau, recalls Capt. Singaraja as a dynamic disciplinarian and a man of action.
“Some of the best initiatives that we started for senior citizens were successful because of the support I received from Capt. Singaraja when he served as chairman from 2001 onwards,” says Dr. Natarajan, a Padmashree awardee.
The ‘Geriatric House Call Project’ launched in 2008 was popular in Chennai as immobile senior citizens could seek services at their door steps by calling a geriatrician or para medical staff. “Inspired by the initiative, the Government of Tamil Nadu later introduced the doctor on call initiative in most city hospitals,” says Dr. Natarajan.
Vaccination for elders was introduced when Capt. Singaraja was at the helm. “From 100 members, the strength of the Bureau grew to 1000 under his leadership,” says the doctor.
The Captain was instrumental in starting Link Age, a monthly newsletter for service and advocacy to all age groups. Thilak Desingh, his grandson, says as per Capt. Singaraja’s wish he had moved to his home town in Rajapalayam more than a year ago.
“He always liked to do something and was working to start a chapter for the Senior Citizens Bureau in Rajapalayam,” says Thilak.
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