The Then India Sanmarga Ikya (TISI) Sangam hosted a first event for its pioneering members yesterday in Labasa.

TISI Sangam Pioneers’ Day was aimed at acknowledging and recognising the elders for their contribution towards the organisation. It saw more than 100 senior citizens and members of the institution celebrating.

Naleba College former principal, former northern divisional education officer, who is now a lawyer shared the significance of the event.

Keshwan Padayachi said: “Our elders have taught us how to love, how to care, how to give, how to forgive, how to accept, and most of all they are our backbone of support.”

Elders’ appreciation

A 95-year-old, known as Kottaiya, is believed to be oldest in crowd.

The father of five sons said he was very happy to participate in a programme where people honoured him for his contribution.

“My elders and I have been members of the TISI Sangam and positively contributed to the development but never ever I thought I would receive an appreciation gift,” Mr Kottaiya said.

Ponsami Padayachi, 83, said he was not present for the gift but to meet his friends and families.

“It is after long time I got to meet so many loved ones thanks to the organising committee,” Mr Padayachi said.