Deshantari Seniors Committee
Deshantari Seniors Committee: Commitment to Well-Being and Cultural Preservation
Established in 2016, the Deshantari Seniors Committee is committed to enhancing the well-being, social inclusion, and overall quality of life for older adults within the community. With a strong emphasis on preserving Bengali culture, the committee serves as a vital platform for senior members, advocating for their needs and ensuring access to essential services, social engagement opportunities, and wellness programs. By fostering a sense of belonging and cultural pride, the committee actively promotes Bengali heritage through language, music, literature, art, and festivals, helping seniors maintain their cultural roots while embracing an active and fulfilling lifestyle.
Programs and Collaborations
As part of its mission, the Deshantari Seniors Committee organizes a variety of activities that are open to all Deshantari members. These programs are conducted in collaboration with well established Indo_Canadian community organizations, including:
• Indo-Canadian Community Centre (ICCC)
• India-Canada Association (ICA)
• The Great India Festival (TGIF)
• Mahatma Gandhi Peace Council of Ottawa (MGPC)
These partnerships help expand available resources, enhance participation, and ensure a more inclusive and engaging experience for senior members.
Workshops and Seminars
The Deshantari Seniors Committee manages funding from the New Horizons for Seniors Program (NHSP) and the Social Planning Council of Ottawa to organize specialized workshops and meetings catered to senior members. The committee is leading efforts to implement 10 specialized workshops, typically held once per month, covering critical topics such as:
• Physical and mental health
• Financial literacy
• Digital skills
• Social inclusion
• Elder rights
These workshops provide seniors with valuable knowledge, resources, and support systems to enhance their quality of life.
Bi-Weekly Meetings
Additionally, the committee arranges bi-weekly in-person sessions during the summer, featuring professional-led yoga and meditation sessions, along with potluck lunch gatherings. During the winter months, the committee organizes bi-weekly virtual sessions via Zoom to ensure continued engagement and socialization, particularly during inclement weather. These initiatives also promote intergenerational learning, fostering meaningful interactions between seniors and younger community members.
Commitment to an Age-Friendly Environment
Beyond its seminars and workshops, the Deshantari Seniors Committee remains committed to fostering an age-friendly and supportive environment by addressing concerns related to accessibility, safety, and financial security. Through advocacy, engagement, and collaboration with local organizations and policymakers, the committee ensures that seniors can enjoy their later years with dignity, independence, and a strong connection to their cultural heritage.
Leadership and Committee Members (2025)
Each year, the Deshantari Executive Committee appoints new members to the Seniors Committee, which operates as a subcommittee under the leadership of the Executive Committee. The 2025 Deshantri Seniors Committee includes:
• Sudeshna Bonnie Chakraborty – Chair (Non-Senior Member)
• Prabir Neogi – Senior Member & Advisor
• Gour Seal – Senior Member & Senior Transportation Coordinator
• Debasree Banerji – Senior Member & Cultural Coordinator
• Arun Roy – Senior Member & Coordinator
• Chitra Ghosh – Senior Member & Coordinator
• Amitabh Mukherji – Senior Member & Coordinator
• Srabani Banerjee – Senior Member & Coordinator
• Ayan Ghosh – EC2025 Treasurer (Non-Senior Member)
• Adrija Chakravarti – EC2025 Secretary (Non-Senior Member)
With a strong commitment to advocacy, engagement, and cultural preservation, the Deshantari Seniors Committee continues to empower and support senior members, ensuring their active participation in community life while honoring their heritage.