Over 350 senior citizens displayed their competitive spirit in a series of events organized exclusively for them by the Navi Mumbai Regional Division of the Maharashtra Senior Citizen Federation (FESCOM). For the first time, a three-day event filled with engaging activities was conducted in the city. The competitions began on January 27, 2025, at the Senior Citizens’ Hall, Sector 12, Nerul.
On the first day, painting, theatrical performances, dramatic readings, group dance, storytelling, and extempore speech competitions were held. The following two days, January 28 and 29, featured carrom and chess competitions, conducted simultaneously in separate halls.
According to FESCOM President Suresh Pote, the organization has 14 divisions across Maharashtra with a membership exceeding 20 lakh senior citizens. He stated that the event was being conducted in Navi Mumbai for the first time, and the response had been overwhelming. Participation extended beyond Navi Mumbai, as senior citizens traveled from various parts of Mumbai, from Dahisar to Lalbaug, to take part.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by FESCOM Maharashtra President Annasaheb Tekale and senior member Vijay Aundhe. The event received statewide recognition, leading to demands for similar competitions to be organized in other regions of Maharashtra.
The planning and execution of the event were widely appreciated. One of the participants, Mahesh Sharma, praised the structured organization of each event and the well-managed venue. Many attendees described the atmosphere as homely. Rashmi Mohite shared that the warm reception and food served reminded her of childhood memories and her maternal home.
The competitions were evaluated by experienced judges:
Storytelling and extempore speech: Arya Apte and Pandurang Mulik
Theatrical performances and dramatic readings: Kalpana Deshmukh and Harshita Bendre
Dance competition: Harshita Bendre
Painting competition: Ajay Khandarkar
Carrom competition: overseen by referee Ravindra Parker with assistance from Subhash Barwal and Sanjay Barve
Chess competition: judged by referee Kritika Pustike
Following the success of this event, a singing competition has been scheduled for February 19, 2025, at 9:30 AM at D.S. High School, Sion, where a large number of participants have already registered.
