The sounds of India were just what the doctor ordered at Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center recently.
In celebration of India Republic Day, musician Falguni Shah sang and played classical music and folk songs of the subcontinent for participants in the Adult Day Health Care Program.
The Medicaid-based program operates seven days a week, though many participants only come for five. For seniors to join, the family must first receive a prescription from a doctor.
“We are very fortunate to have [Falguni] here,” said Linda Spiegel, director of public affairs for the center, located at 158-13 72nd Avenue in Flushing. “The main goal is to keep people living in the community with supplemental services,” she said.
The performance on Tuesday, January 26, was made possible by new program under the auspices of Carnegie Hall called Musical Connections, which sends performers to healthcare, nursing and correctional facilities.
The energy of the music, including folksongs from five different Indian states and thumrie, a semi-classical sub-genre got some of the seniors singing along. Some in the group joined in small circles and danced, while others were content to sit and enjoy.
“She likes [the program],” said a translator for 86-year-old Riva Agadzhanova. “Any program is happy.”
Carnegie Hall’s program is about halfway through its season of 50 to 60 events. “The response so far has been absolutely wonderful.” said Musical Connections project manager Manuel Bagorro.
Republic Day marks the anniversary India’s constitution, marking its full emergence as an independent nation. Shah ended her concert with the Indian National Anthem – by request. Everyone who could stand was asked to and many attendees sang along.
Margaret Tietz Nursing and Rehabilitation Center is part of the Beth Abraham Family of Health Services. For more information about the Adult Day Health Care Program, call 718-591-4301 or visit www.margarettietz.org.
