Students Bring Cheer To Senior Citizens

 On February 22, 2026, Chinmaya Mission Brea Bala Vihar Yuva Kendra students, teachers, and parents of the class had the memorable opportunity to visit a local old-age home as seva. A short visit turned into an unforgettable lifetime experience for the residents and visitors alike, filled with laughter and heartfelt connections, showing us the importance of simple company. 

In honor of preparing for our visit, we put together goodie bags filled with small items packed with love, in the hope of bringing happiness. With our gifts, we also wanted all the residents to feel appreciated and seen through this small gesture. It wasn't about the items but about the thought/meaning behind the bags to show how much we care.

Along with the gifts, we also organized performances and activities for the elders to enjoy. The performances, from singing to dancing, helped create a joyful atmosphere and brought smiles to everyone's faces. As the residents nodded to the performances and watched with joyful expressions, it was an unforgettable moment that meant a lot to both the residents and to us.  The whole room felt engaged and part of the event. When it came to activities, we were able to really interact with the elders and get to know them on a more personal level. Even small conversations brought smiles not only to the residents but to us, and it made the moments feel more genuine and warm. One of the best moments was when we were able to play trivia with the residents. Many laughs and smiles came from this activity as the whole room was involved and played along, which made us as a group very joyful and warm inside.

From the experience, we saw how much our presence mattered. Most residents were happy for the company and connections we were able to make. Taking time to get to know the residents while creating activities and performances overall made them feel valued and that they mattered. We can really see how simple companionship can be so powerful. This was a good reminder that showing up and being present are among the best ways to create a meaningful experience, not just for yourself but also for others.

From Chinmaya Mission, we are taught that seva is a selfless service performed with humility and our full devotion and love. It shows we should not only serve to be noticed but also to care for others and to show our humanity. This visit was a real-life example of these qualities and what we strive to do. 

My personal takeaway from this project is rooted in the teachings of Chinmaya Mission. Bala Vihar serves as a guiding light from a young age, shaping our thoughts, actions, and outlook on life through timeless Vedantic values. We learn that each individual is inherently divine, and that serving others is truly serving the Lord present in all beings. Values such as compassion (Daya), selflessness (Seva), humility (Vinaya), gratitude (Kritajñata), and seeing unity in diversity (Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the whole world is one family) are not merely concepts, but principles meant to be lived and experienced. Through seva projects like this visit, these teachings come alive in a practical and meaningful way. By offering our time, attention and love without expecting anything in return, we experience the joy of giving, the quietening of the ego, and the deep fulfillment that comes from connecting heart to heart. Such opportunities help us internalize Vedanta, transforming knowledge into lived wisdom and guiding us to grow into compassionate, responsible, and spiritually grounded individuals. Our seva is aligned with our pledge as we say, “Devotion to people is the devotion to the Supreme Self.” 

Please see more pictures of our visit here.

- Anushka Nambiar