Ashvasan, a voluntary service organization, was started in 1993 to reach out to the senior citizens, the aged and the lonely. We have realized that changes in our value system, disintegration of the joint family system into nuclear families, inflation and high cost of living have put tremendous pressure on senior citizens making them feel insecure, uncared for and inadequate both at home and outside. Over the years Ashvasan has touched the lives of hundreds of senior citizens in Bangalore.

Whether the person is staying in a family environment or staying alone or in a Home for the Aged, the key word to this problem is loneliness and attitude to life is the key to better living. Ashvasan has sought to address itself to this problem. Volunteers of Ashvasan contribute care and concern and spare time to share it with the lonely without expectations of any kind, to restore a sense of self esteem, confidence and dignity in them. The warmth given relieves the loneliness of the senior citizens to a considerable extent.

With retirement or aging come the changes in family relationships physical adjustment to the process of aging, inherent concern for health, fear of rejection, unfulfilled ambitions, feeling of uselessness and low self esteem. High stress and increased personalization of death (last) all amounts to a sense of loss of identity.

Our attitude and behaviour, our enthusiasm and the zest and zeal for living play a predominant role in determining adjustments rather than external factors. Aging really has to be an inevitable progress in one’s capacity to adapt, adjust and survive physically and mentally. We have also learnt that people with good mental health feel comfortable about themselves, are able to meet the demands of life, feel right about other people and are at peace with themselves and in harmony with others.

All our activities are geared to cultivate aging graceful with no self pity. To have a purpose, to become self reliant, self sufficient and at the same time to accept dependence without resentment.

We feel that being together for the last several years, each one knows who they are, accept who they are and love and care for themselves and get satisfaction from the simple every day pleasures. Can accept their own shortcomings and that of others. Can take life’s disappointments in their stride. Not controlled by emotions but can control them. They do not over estimate their abilities. Can laugh at themselves.

Thus, from the feed back received, life is transformed and becomes meaningful when we are able to give love and consideration to others. Have relationships that are lasting and satisfying. Respect differences in other people and feel a part of a group to share and communicate, and feel a responsibility to others.

The foundation has grown from strength to strength during the last 15 years, touching the lives of hundreds and thousands of senior citizens in the city. Be it by providing them with leisure activities, companionship, seminars, food, clothing or medical assistance, Ashvasan has been striving to restore a sense of purpose in the life of its senior members. Please read further in this website about the work being developed presently by this wing of Lalita Shivaram Ubhayaker Foundation for the Arts.