Date:05/08/2004 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2004/08/05/stories/2004080501911900.htm

Back LMW to open `leisure village' for seniors

Our Bureau

Mr D. Jayavarthanavelu

Coimbatore , Aug.0 4

GKD Charity Trust of the city-based LMW (Lakshmi Machine Works Ltd) Group has promoted a `leisure village' for senior citizens — Vrundhavan.

The first phase of the Rs 8-crore project is nearing completion. The Chairman and Managing Director of Godrej and Boyce Manufacturing Company Ltd, Mr Jamshyd N. Godrej, is to formally inaugurate the facility on August 6.

Dr D. Jayavarthanavelu, Managing Trustee of GKD Trust and Chairman of LMW, said that the concept of a leisure village for the aged was aimed at providing a facility to suit the post-working life routine without hassles.

"Professionals can still put their experience to gainful use," he added. Stating that the initiative is `service-centric and not profit-oriented,' Dr Jayavarthanavelu said that he drove home the concept after one of his visits abroad.

"There are a number of leisure villages in the US. We wanted to replicate it here, as we visualise a similar situation in `Emerging India.' As it is, a number of youngsters have gone in search of greener pastures abroad, leaving their aged parents back home. Then, there are many parents, who themselves had been no less successful, now advancing in age, are not prepared to stay with their children. At Vrundhavan, we will help these people to relocate themselves along with their friends and lead a meaningful life."

Replying to a query about the project, Dr Jayavarthanavelu said that 12 spacious cottages were ready for occupation at Myleripalayam near here and four more cottages would come up in the same site soon. "We are planning to take the total number of cottages to 40, but that is only in the second phase, probably next year. We are also planning to have guest rooms to accommodate guests. But as it is, we have tied-up with a local hospital for routine medical check up for the inmates, have in place a well-equipped fitness centre, a dispensary, reading room, security, common dining facility, indoor games facility, and an outdoor practice facility for golfers etc.'

He said that the occupant would have to pay Rs 12 lakh refundable deposit. Apart from this, the Trust would collect at the rate of Rs 6,000 per person every month towards maintenance and service.

A screening committee comprising a doctor, a lawyer, a psychiatrist, and a social worker would select the prospective members to achieve a `harmonious community.'