Gransfest 2001, which was organised at Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram, Kilpauk, by HelpAge India is part of HelpAge India's effort to provide an opportunity for children to interact with older persons.  As Indrani Rajadurai, Joint Director, Southern Region, HelpAge India put it, "The Children - Grand Parent's Fest, was started with the aim to inculcate in children, a respect for elders at home and outside.  We hope that this event will strengthen the emotional bonding between the two generations". She appreciated the enthusiasm shown by the students of the school and added that, "the interaction between the students and elders goes to show that the bonds still exist".

Vijay Amirthraj, Indian tennis legend and the United Nation's Ambassador for Peace was the Chief Guest for the afternoon.  In a heart warming gesture, he first greeted the elders with folded hands before getting on to the dais.  Malathy Gopalakrishnan, Principal, Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram, welcomed the gathering, after which it was time for some entertainment.  A spirited group of elders danced to the song 'Gujarat Kumarigal Aada...' from the musical hit 'Kadhalar Dhinam' to a resounding ovation from the school children gathered.  This effort by the elders was underlined with a message that the elderly can also be active participants in contributing towards the needs of the society.  Around 50 elders from Mercy Home, an old-age home, participated in the programme.  Chief Guest Vijay Amirtraj presented gifts to the elders and gave away special prizes to the students who had worked actively to mobilise funds for HelpAge India.

T K Parameshwaran, Director, Bhavan's Rajaji Vidyashram, presented a cheque to HelpAge India.  In his presidential address, Parameshwaran mentioned that the school had always been an active supporter of HelpAge India's crusade to help the needy and the elderly. He also mentioned that this was the fourth time, HelpAge India was organising an event for elders in this school. 

Vijay Amirtraj, who was very recently the celebrity guest of HelpAge India for a charity dinner hosted by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales in London, then spoke to the children.  He recollected his childhood days and said that, the best time he had was, with his parents and grand parents.  "As you grow up you realise that you don't actually grow older but get better. I was indeed fortunate enough to get the opportunity to spend time with my grand parents and I would like to commend this effort by HelpAge India to bring children closer to elders.  Activities like these will help children understand their duty for tomorrow" he said.

He also appreciated the Mobile Medicare Unit (MMU) programme by HelpAge India. The MMU programme is one of the most effective programmes conducted by HelpAge India. There are two MMU's in the Southern Region - one in Chennai and the other at Coimbatore. Each of these units visit 10 slums a week, treating around 120 patients a day, benefiting 30,000 elders in an year.