GANGTOK,: In a heartfelt tribute to the elders of the community, Darjeeling will host a special event titled ‘The Riddle of a Banyan Tree: Weaving Darjeelingey Stories’ to celebrate the International Day of Older Persons. This intergenerational event, organized by VikRun Foundation in collaboration with Chhimeki and Decible Events, will be held at the Gymkhana Club Ballroom on October 1, starting at 3 pm.
The event promises to be a celebration of life experiences, culture, and community through the art of storytelling. Drawing parallels with the strong roots and branches of a banyan tree, the event will focus on connecting individuals across different age groups, providing a platform for the elderly to share their remarkable life stories and unique perspectives, a press release informs.
In recognition of their significant contributions to the Darjeeling community, five distinguished individuals will receive the ‘Colonel Papa (Lt Col. Ram Singh Rai) Memorial Awards 2024’ titled ‘Darjeeling Silvers Recognition’.
The honouree speakers are Cecilia Edwards, Norzin Norbhu, Shanti Thatal, Dawa Narbula, and I. P. Rai, the release informs.
These honorees represent the rich cultural heritage of the region, with stories that span music, sports, literature, and community life.
Manoj Gurung will serve as the moderator for the event, guiding the interactive discussions and reflections on the evolving spirit of Darjeeling.
The key feature of the event will be a storytelling session where the elderly honouree speakers will share their personal journeys, offering insights into Darjeeling's evolving cultural landscape. These stories will include memories of resilience, community support, and life lessons that transcend generations. This session will be followed by a Q&A segment, allowing younger participants to engage in meaningful dialogue with their elders, said the organizers.
The celebration will also include intergenerational games and activities designed to bridge the generational divide, promoting teamwork, empathy, and cultural understanding through fun and interactive tasks.
‘The Riddle of a Banyan Tree’ aims to foster intergenerational connections through storytelling, encourage active listening and empathetic understanding between age groups, address issues of loneliness and fragmentation often experienced by the elderly, and promote community unity and preserve the cultural heritage of Darjeeling.
“As Darjeeling prepares to celebrate this unique event, the organizers are committed to ensuring that it serves as a stepping stone for future initiatives that foster greater community connections across generations. By celebrating the lives and contributions of the elderly, this event not only recognizes their impact but also encourages the youth to engage deeply with their cultural heritage,” the release mentions.
