Respected Sir/Madam,

I am very excited today. I appeared on TV. My first TV interview. I had almost come on TV once earlier when Chidambaram was opening a bank branch in Sivaganga. My vote of thanks got edited out. That wish to appear on TV got fulfilled today.

This morning, while I was buying milk at Aavin, one young reporter, barely 22-23 years, approached me. She was on a camera phone. She had an identity card dangling from her neck like a dog collar. Was it Chennai 9 or was it Chennai 8, some local news channel?

I am reproducing the interview I had with her.

TV Reporter: Uncle, are you a Senior Citizen?

Me: I am one. But I don’t like being called one. Earlier, if someone called me Senior Citizen instead of Thatha, it felt good. But now I know Elders, Veterans, Senior Citizens mean the same .. Thatha

TVR: Are you excited that today, August 21, is World Senior Citizens’ Day?

Me: Oh. There is a thing like that. Someone on Facebook mentioned that yesterday was World Mosquito Day. Not bad, Senior Citizens do have as much importance as a Mosquito.

TVR: Why? Do you think Senior Citizens are not given their due?

Me: I am happy being retired. But there are some of my friends who want to work. Actually, they want to go somewhere away from their wives. They are not getting any work. Look at Modi, he has put all people above 75 in some Mannangkatti Mandal..I hope he changes that rule in 2024. After all even America will have a Senior Citizen, in fact, a very Senior Citizen, as the next President.

TVR: Do you think the government is not doing enough for the Senior Citizens?

Me: I do like all the benefits that come with being a Senior Citizen. The extra half a percent interest that they give in FDs. The Income Tax benefits.Not that they matter much. But something..I also like the concessions that the railways give for senior citizens. In fact, I and Mangalam, my wife, love it. After retiring, we have travelled more than ever before.

TVR: Have you ever availed of wheelchair facilities in the airports?

Me: I have never availed. Don’t you see I am fit? But next time I am in the Delhi T-3 Terminal, I am going to book a wheelchair. What a muttal design it is. Just walk, walk, walk.

TVR: Do you think the government should do more for Senior Citizens?

Me: I hope they put the rule to give lower berth always to Senior Citizens. Every time we get the upper berth I have to request someone for the lower berth. I can climb but Mangalam can’t. Before I forget, the government must straighten up these crooks in Health Insurance. They only want to cover young and healthy people who don’t need any health insurance.

TVR: What is your advice to fellow senior Citizens?

Me: Eat well, Drink well ( even if it is coffee), Sleep Well. Stay away from Babas and Swamis. Enjoy

TVR: Thank you very much

I don’t know who all will watch that TV News. I hear people have stopped watching TV news. Since your paper has wide reach, particularly, among Senior Citizens, I am writing to you.

Yours in excitement

J.Bhoothalingam