Bengaluru, July 13, 2021: India’s largest senior living community operator, Columbia Pacific Communities inaugurated the third annual edition of its virtual talent hunt and community engagement initiative for senior citizens, Platform 2021, today. Being celebrated with the theme of “Magic of Community”, Platform 2021 was digitally unveiled by Dr G Sivaraman, MD and Chief Siddha Physician, Arogya Healthcare, Chennai. He has delivered 250+ lead lectures in various organisations across India, USA, UK, UAE and Malaysia to build awareness on traditional functional organic foods. The virtual curtain-raiser also had Mr Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, the organising team, and senior residents from the nine communities spread across Bengaluru, Puducherry, Chennai, Coimbatore and Kanchipuram.
The 45-day long virtual talent festival is being organised by Columbia Pacific Communities for the third consecutive year and is yet another effort to infuse positive aging and build social connect amongst senior citizens who have been adversely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated social restrictions. The initiative aims to instil hope and build resilience among seniors during these uncertain and difficult times by keeping them active, stimulated and engaged.
Dr G Sivaraman, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest said, “It’s a pleasure being invited to the Platform 2021 initiative by Columbia Pacific Communities. Having an active, social and connected life is important for elders to age positively. Platform is a very unique and an engaging concept that allows seniors from one community to build network in other communities. Considering the challenging times, it is a much-needed initiative to encourage elders to rejuvenate their lives with the joy of participating in various fun-filled activities. It is indeed a time for fighting the pandemic by celebrating life in unique ways.”
Commenting on the initiative, Mohit Nirula, CEO, Columbia Pacific Communities, said, “Last year, we saw good participation from seniors when we went digital with PLATFORM. It was wonderful to see our residents come out virtually, performing, enjoying and expressing themselves from the safety of their homes. The initiative not only gave us some endearing performances but also dissolved many misconceptions. Encouraged by the success of the initiative, we are back with Platform 2021, which promises to be even more exciting and engaging with a greater number of competitions and brand associations. Amidst the ongoing crisis which is marred by curbs, distancing and isolation, we find the initiative to be emerging as an important space for seniors to remain mentally, intellectually and socially engaged. I, therefore, would like to invite you all to encourage our seniors online and witness them celebrate positive ageing.”
Starting from July 11, 2021, and culminating into the grand finale on World Senior Citizen’s Day, to be observed on August 21, 2021, the community engagement initiative will witness participation from more than 3000-strong senior residents in various virtual competitions across 13 main categories and 20 different contests, ranging from music — vocal, instrumental, solo and group, dance, painting, handicraft, photography, quizzes, and other performance arts such as short story telling and mono act. To support CPC’s vision, TATA 1mg, India’s leading healthcare e-commerce company has come on board as e-healthcare partner for Platform 2021.
Last year, Platform 2020 received resounding success, with 200 participants in 10 contests across multiple categories.
This year, all activities of Platform 2021 will be streamed live through zoom which will allow friends and families of residents to support them throughout the competitions.
