An answer to senior citizens' financial insecurity, a job portal

For 76-year-old Krishna Kumar (name changed), life post-retirement is a new struggle for livelihood. He walks around with small square sized papers, on which reads,"Do you need--Pan card, passport, credit card, IT returns, Job placements…?" It had his contact details and a request,"..please forward this to your friends."

A former employee of Mico Bosch, he retired around 20 years ago and now earns his living by finding job placements and getting pan cards and other credentials for candidates looking for a job.

"I have tie ups with these firms that provide such services and they pay me a small portion of the returns they receive out of these deals," he said.

While talking about the importance of financial security after retirement, he said,"My son once asked me to stay back at home instead of walking around like this. He told me that I am not going to earn lakhs or anything, so stay at home."

"But how long can one be at home. It will only lead to unnecessary arguments," he added.

Kumar is one among hundreds of senior citizens who approached Nightingales Empowerment Foundation(NEF) on Friday to know more about job opportunities for senior citizens.

The foundation provides training in various sectors (computer, smartphone, internet, online banking, fund transfer etc). It has been helping senior citizens to land jobs for the last four years.

"I was asked by my son to leave the house because he could not pay for my medical expenses," said 68-year-old Puttaiah, who came to foundation in search of jobs.

Puttaiah was a pharmacist. He said,"I am healthy enough to work for a few more years. At least I can earn for my living without extending my arms for my children's help."

Around 6,000 senior citizens participate for jobs in the job fairs conducted by the foundation every year.

"Many of the senior citizens registered with us are now working in various firms as front office professionals, even in accounts departments," said Radha Murthy, founder of Nightingales Medical Trust (The parent organisation)

Dr M N Venkatachaliah, former chief justice of India said,"The notion that you are old is stupid. One is never old enough." He said on Friday at the foundation's online portal's and a dementia daycare centre's inauguration.

Muralidhar Halappa, chairperson, Karnataka Vocational Training and Skill Development Corporation and Pankajam Sridevi, president of Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce who committed to support the organisation, were present at the inauguration.