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Chavan visited Apna Ghar old age home with his family and interacted with the senior citizens.
Away from the usual political gatherings and felicitation programmes, the visit focused on spending time with residents who often have limited opportunities for regular interaction with people outside the facility. (Photo: News18)
Birthdays in public life often come with bouquets, greetings, crowds and a packed schedule of appointments. But Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan’s birthday on Monday included a quieter engagement — spending time with elderly residents of an old age home in Dombivli.
Chavan visited Apna Ghar old age home with his family and interacted with the senior citizens. Away from the usual political gatherings and felicitation programmes, the visit focused on spending time with residents who often have limited opportunities for regular interaction with people outside the facility.
For elderly residents of old age homes, companionship can be as meaningful as material assistance. A conversation, a visit or simply being included in a celebration can offer a sense of connection and attention.
Chavan later visited Janani Ashish orphanage and the Dombivlikar New Force Academy, where he met children and young trainees.
At a gathering organised by Dombivlikar Ek Sanskritik Parivar, women performed a traditional aarti as citizens joined the birthday celebrations.
Across Maharashtra, BJP workers and supporters also marked Chavan’s birthday through a series of social initiatives. These included blood donation camps, ration distribution, bicycles for students, helmet distribution, installation of solar panels and assistance with obtaining driving licences.
Essential equipment was also provided to old age homes, while senior citizens were assisted with obtaining senior citizen certificates.
There were, inevitably, familiar political trappings surrounding the birthday of a senior party leader. Party offices in Kalyan-Dombivli organised felicitation programmes, office inaugurations were held, and party workers and elected representatives met Chavan to extend their greetings. Young people also participated in the celebrations.
But the images of Chavan spending part of his birthday with elderly residents offered a quieter counterpoint to the usual spectacle associated with political birthdays. The focus, at least for a part of the day, shifted from the person being celebrated to the people with whom he chose to spend the occasion.
In public life, staying connected with one’s roots is often expressed in broad terms. At times, however, it can take a simpler form — walking into an old age home, sitting across from an elderly person and spending time with them.
On a day that could easily have been dominated by garlands and political gatherings, Chavan’s visit offered a reminder that a celebration can also be an opportunity to make others feel remembered.
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Ask News18Maharashtra BJP president Ravindra Chavan spent part of his birthday visiting the Apna Ghar old age home in Dombivli with his family, interacting with senior citizens, and visiting the Janani Ashish orphanage and Dombivlikar New Force Academy.
Ask News18About the Author
Mayuresh Ganapatye, News Editor at News18.com, writes on politics and civic issues, as well as human interests stories. He has been covering Maharashtra and Goa for more than a decade. Follow him at @…Read More
September 21, 2026, 22:16 IST
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