Inter-Generational Bonding Mela | A Celebration of Wisdom, Respect, and Holistic Living | Global TV
NV Paulose, Chairman, Global TV +91 98441 82044
Mangaluru, October 15, 2025: The Netravati Auditorium at Dakshina Kannada Zilla Panchayat, Mangaluru, came alive with energy, reflection, and meaningful dialogue during the One-Day Inter-Generational Bonding Mela (ಒಂದು ದಿನದ ಅಂತರ ಪೀಳಿಗೆಯ ಬಾಂಧವ್ಯ ಮೇಳ). Organized collaboratively by the Government of India’s Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, the Government of Karnataka’s Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled and Senior Citizens, the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, the District Administration, the Zilla Panchayat, and numerous Senior Citizens’ NGOs, the event was designed to strengthen bonds between youth and elders, foster mutual respect, and celebrate the values of intergenerational learning and care.
While the day featured several inspiring addresses and award presentations, the highlight of the mela was undoubtedly Dr. P. P. Devan’s transformative talk, which captivated the audience with its unique blend of spirituality, practical wisdom, and preventive health guidance.
Dr. P. P. Devan: Healing Beyond Hospitals
Dr. Devan commenced his speech with a profound invocation of the Divine and an assurance to everyone who hear him stay healthy with support of the natural wealth in the universe. His spiritual voice set the tone for a talk that went far beyond conventional medical advice, aiming to transform hearts, minds, and lifestyles. He declared, “In three minutes, I will transform your lives and make you my ardent fans and friends.” His message was as much about personal empowerment and spiritual awareness as it was about physical well-being.
Despite acknowledging the grandeur of modern medical institutions; 9 medical colleges and 9,000 hospital beds, Dr. Devan observed soberly, “We are a sick society.” The central point of his talk was clear: true health is not measured by the size of hospitals or the number of degrees doctors hold, but by the vitality of the human heart and the quality of daily living. He reminded the audience that emotional and spiritual wellness are inseparable from physical health.
A key element of Dr. Devan’s philosophy was the application of knowledge; knowing to apply. Citing examples, he emphasized that wisdom is meaningful only when practically applied in life, whether through diet, lifestyle, or mindful choices. Knowledge that remains theoretical fails to nourish the body, mind, or spirit. He reminded the audience to practice the grandmother’s wisdom.
Diet and Lifestyle: The Foundation of Preventive Health
Dr. Devan offered detailed guidance on diet and lifestyle, emphasizing balance, moderation, and nature-based nutrition. He suggested healthy practices including prolonged fasting, natural eating habits. Dr. Devan advocated green leafy vegetables, natural foods, and daily consumption of citrus fruits to prevent serious illnesses such as strokes. He underscored the importance of sustaining one’s body through continuous, mindful nourishment.
Dr. Devan also highlighted the modern rise in lifestyle diseases, cautioning that strokes, paralysis, and sudden cardiac events are preventable if natural habits are followed diligently. His advice was practical yet profound: simple daily changes in diet and routine can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic illness.
Sunlight: Nature’s Elixir
One of the most memorable segments of Dr. Devan’s talk focused on sunlight as a natural preventive medicine. He recommended at least 10 minutes, ideally up to half an hour, of direct morning sunlight to boost immunity, provide essential vitamin D, and reduce the risk of cancer. Dr. Devan illustrated that such a simple daily practice could serve as a natural shield against disease, often surpassing the preventive capacity of modern hospitals.
His critique of the modern healthcare system was clear and gentle: hospitals are essential for acute care, but they cannot replace the foundational role of nature, sunlight, diet, and spiritual awareness. He reminded the audience that nature has already provided everything necessary for health, and it is the responsibility of individuals to integrate these gifts into daily life.
Faith, Spirituality, and Holistic Living
Throughout the session, Dr. Devan connected spiritual principles with practical health advice. He emphasized that devotion, mindfulness, and connection to higher principles are not abstract ideals but essential supports for mental and physical well-being. By cultivating awareness, following natural rhythms, and making conscious dietary and lifestyle choices, he asserted that individuals could protect themselves from many diseases, including cancer.
His overarching message was simple yet profound: healing is not in hospitals alone; it resides in the heart, sunlight, nutritious food, and faith. By adopting these principles, every individual has the potential to transform their life and experience vitality, balance, and longevity.
Insights from Other Speakers
While Dr. Devan’s talk formed the heart of the program, other speakers enriched the dialogue and reinforced the mela’s core messages.
Dr. Annayya Kulal, the Chief Guest, emphasized the importance of humanity over mere skill. He noted, “Today we have many Google Doctors full of knowledge. But what society truly needs is a heart that listens to those in need.” Dr. Kulal encouraged the youth to combine technical knowledge with compassion and empathy, fostering a society that values connection and care as much as expertise.
Col. Nitte Sharath Bhandary, one of five awardees, known for his fitness and diligence; reflected on the generational shift between youth today and twenty years ago. He observed, “Distractions are many, and the youth are becoming distanced from elderly faster. The elderly are forced to become youthful out of necessity. Today’s youth should take extra care of the elderly.” Col. Sharath also emphasized engagement, advising participants, “Keep yourself busy, that will make you young. Keep your mind engaged.”
M. S. Kamath, another awardee, spoke on exercise and active living for seniors, encouraging elders to participate in physical activities both at home and through online training. He highlighted that such engagement is crucial for maintaining physical health, mental alertness, and social interaction, reinforcing the importance of holistic care.
Dr. Raguveer, former Dean of KMC, brought a professional medical perspective to elder care, emphasizing that older patients require specialized attention. Diseases in elderly individuals often behave differently than in younger patients, making age-appropriate medical approaches critical. He noted that collaboration and visionary leadership; including pioneering educators, community organizations, and hospital programs, have been instrumental in advancing geriatric care. Specialized courses in geriatric medicine equip healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and tailored care. Dr. Raguveer’s insights complemented Dr. Devan’s holistic approach, highlighting how both natural and clinical interventions are essential for elderly well-being.
Cultural Programs and Intergenerational Engagement
The mela was not limited to speeches. Storytelling sessions, Speeches by students, Health Check Up, and interactive Laughter Therapy exercises brought intergenerational learning to life. Dr Bhavana M and team from Sharada Yoga and Naturopathy Hospital conducted a laughter therapy session for all elderly based on the concept : “Laugh to live healthy.” The team later also addressed the need of a healthy lifestyle to prevent senile diseases and how yoga and naturopathy helps in bringing a healthy balance in mind, body, social and spiritual aspects
Elders shared experiences of discipline, simplicity, and family bonding, while youth performed skits, dances, and songs illustrating empathy, respect, and collaboration. Laughter Therapy demonstration by Ganapathi encouraged elderly and younger participants to engage in pleasant movement routines, showing practical ways to stay active and socially connected.
Core Themes and Takeaways
Respect for Elders
- Youth must listen to, care for, and learn from elders, making respect a way of life.
Holistic Health
- Sunlight, diet, exercise, and spiritual awareness are fundamental to preventing illness and maintaining vitality.
Active Engagement
- Staying mentally, physically, and socially active benefits both youth and seniors.
Intergenerational Learning
- The wisdom of elders complements the energy and creativity of youth, strengthening communities and families.
Balancing Modern Life and Natural Practices
- Knowledge and technology are useful, but applied wisdom, compassion, and natural living remain central to well-being.
A Collective Vision for Humanity
The One-Day Inter-Generational Bonding Mela concluded with a shared pledge to uphold intergenerational harmony, empathy, and holistic well-being. Dr. Devan’s transformative insights, coupled with guidance from other speakers, offered a roadmap for living that integrates faith, nature, diet, physical activity, and emotional awareness.
Participants left the auditorium inspired to care for the elderly, adopt healthier lifestyles, and engage meaningfully with both family and community. The mela reinforced that true health, vitality, and social cohesion are built not just through hospitals or education but through love, respect, active living, and mindful attention to the needs of both youth and elders.
By embracing the wisdom of elders, the energy of youth, and the natural principles of diet, exercise, and sunlight, society can build a healthier, happier, and more harmonious future for all generations.
