They\'re 60, going on 16...Mini Ribeiro Andheri

 

JOE SALDANHA was overwhelmed at the applause his performance received.

He was singing after many years, at Senior Citizens' Talent Contest organised by St. Blaise Parish, Amboli, Andheri (West).

Choked with emotion, he said: "I am grateful for getting this opportunity. It feels great to perform again."

Seventeen other senior citizens participated in the event. Most of them sang in various languages, while a few played musical instruments.

Said septuagenarian Ramsay D'Souza, an active member of the parish: "The idea was to give us senior citizens some recreation, a chance to meet and interact. We were given a carom board, cards, and music playing in the background."

The group, which began with 30 members, now has 83 members aged 60 to 85. And they meet every evening to chat or play card games.

The Talent Contest was an attempt to take the community activity a step forward. Ramsay D'Souza, Timothy D'Mello, Norman D'Souza and Reynold D'Mello were entrusted with the task of organising the event.

The first prize in the vocals category went to Joe Saldanha, who sang a soulful ‘Strangers In The Night'.

URL: http://epaper.hindustantimes.com/artMailDisp.aspx?article=04_04_2008_006_002&typ=0&pub=264