A unique Stage Talent Show for Seniors, UMANG sets the stage for stellar performers
April 16 2016, 20.57 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Mumbai, April 16, 2016: UMANG, a unique stage talent show for seniors was held at the Birla Matoshree Sabhagriha on Saturday. Presented by Rotary Club of Mumbai Nariman Point, Rotaract Club of Rizvi Law College and Inner Wheel Club of Mumbai Nariman Point in association with Silver Inning Foundation, UMANG set the platform for senior citizens to showcase their best talents.
A senior duo dons dancing shoes at UMANG 2016
Rotarians at the UMANG, a stage talent show for seniors
Senior women displaying their talent at UMANG 2016
Senior women performing a Lezim sequence at UMANG 2016
Seniors celebrate on stage at UMANG 2016
Seniors present a beautiful song and music performance at UMANG 2016
Be it singing or dancing, or even playing a musical instrument, UMANG saw multitudes of seniors not only perform, but also flock the venue to motivate their fellow performers. It was heartening to see seniors indulge in their passions despite the challenges that age and health bring their way. With the number of registrations growing, this year saw more women registering than men. Around 125 participants from 50 years of age to 79 years participated in the event to show their unique stage talent. Over 1000 people, 90% of which were Senior Citizens attended the event to witness the magic of the talent that their fellow senior citizens had.
Says Sailesh Mishra Founder of Silver Inning Foundation, “We organise UMANG, a talent show for seniors every year since 2008. Unlike other talent shows, there are no prizes for winning the top three positions. Everybody is a winner. It is amazing to see the level of enthusiasm among seniors to perform on the stage.” About the growing participation from senior women, “We are seeing a shift in attitude of our seniors, when women were not so keen to thrust themselves in the limelight. It seems that senior women are now wanting to share the spotlight or even upstage the men! We wish more senior women come out and participate in public events such as ours.”
UMANG is the city’s only talent show dedicated to seniors – this year, bookings and registrations filled up in just two days. While the seniors loved to dance, sing, and even perform one-act plays, UMANG encouraged younger family members to come along with the seniors and witness what these ‘old people’ are capable of doing if given an opportunity.
President Rtn., Rotary Club Of Mumbai Nariman Point, Himanshu Dani says, “This noble initiative for our elderly is close to our hearts. Since 2010 UMANG has been held in association with Silver Innings, this has been one of the most sought after events for our senior citizens. We are delighted to see the innovation and impact this event has created in people’s hearts & minds. We look forward to continue supporting this wonderful cause and would encourage many more to join taking this event to higher levels”.
UMANG, this year, saw over a 100 entries from the age category of 50 – 79. 15 Lucky Draws for the audience were also organized and each participant received a certificate. Refreshments and ‘Senior Citizen Safety Tips’ was given to all those who attended the event. Every year, senior citizens from all walks of life participate to perform, from age 50 to 80-plus, from songs, to playing musical instruments, to dancing on Bollywood numbers, to classical dance and street plays. Over the years, UMANG has been an amazing showcase of talent by our seniors.
Partners for UMANG 2016:
Venue Partner: UNIBIC Biscuits, FESCOM Mumbai (Federation of Senior Citizens Organisation of Maharashtra); HelpAge India – NGO; Silver Talkies – Bangalore(Multidimensional WEB platform for Elders); 1298 Senior Citizens Helpline; A1 Snehanjali – Assisted Living Elder Care Home; Sneh Kala Kendra – Choreographer, Palliative Care Dept., Bhaktivedanta Hospital, PHOTOMIST – Social Enterprise Professional Photographer, PrideAge– Social Enterprise and OM Ashram Old age home – Bangalore.
About UMANG 2016:
UMANG was conceptualized during the tenure of Rtn. Vipul Shah as Club President and is being held since 2010-11 by Rotary Club Of Mumbai Nariman Point. India’s largest and Mumbai’s first of its kind programme for 55+ Senior Citizens gives the elderly an opportunity to show their talent. The programme seeks to provide them with a platform to display their talents. This is not a competition – there are no prizes for being the best – but it is a forum to encourage them to demonstrate their hidden talent.