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The pervasive and ubiquitous nature of change in modern Indian society is exemplified in various spheres of personal and social life. One of the key areas where such changes are more pronounced is the shift in the structural support to the old aged person. Family and kinship organizations, which were nodal organizations in the support and care of the old aged person, have declined and secondary organizations are emerging to take care of the old aged persons. The structures and operations of these organizations in the context of the Indian cultural milieu have assumed new dimension. In Kashi, the holy city of Hindus, there are number of social and religious charitable organizations which are not simply a shelter home and support apparatus to the old aged persons but are performing pivotal role in attaining religious goals and psychological solace to the old aged persons.
The present study in the context of Varanasi explores the types of religio-cultural organizations available for old aged persons. It also endeavours to understand the psychosocial relief and satisfaction which old aged persons receive through these organizations. Four major voluntary organizations of the city have been selected. Data have been gathered through formal interviews and observation technique.
The study finds that the voluntary agencies in Kashi are playing a positive role in the care of old aged persons. The distancing from the family residence and loss of primary bonds with members closer to the old aged persons get blurred because of the voluntary agencies in Kashi being the religio-cultural organizations. The alienation, aloofness and the dependency of the old aged persons get sublimated in the wake of his entrance in a culturally defined world. The voluntary agencies thus become a facilitator and serve the cause of the old aged person in his search for solace and salvation at the fag end of his life.
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Dr. Umesh K. Singh, K46/166, Hartirath, Varanasi-221001,
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