chennai a doctors clinic in a quiet velachery neighbourhood comes alive on the last sunday of every month members of a group of 80 all senior citizens make light of their arthritic limbs or weak hearts and let their hair down to treat what they all suffer from loneliness what began as an idea little more than two years ago by diabetologist c v pillai to bring joy to his elderly patients has turned into a monthly gathering and helped many find new friends and something to look forward to each month loneliness is a killer disease my patients would talk about how they miss being around family as their children are settled abroad the idea of a club came while talking to one of my patients says dr pillai who sponsors the clubs activities but credits his patients and his wife for organising them birthdays of all members falling in a month are celebrated together on the last sunday of that month with a cake and a surprise message from family members we email and get video messages from those living abroad we visit the homes of those who have a family and get a message from their spouse in their absence its a surprise on their special day says chitra dr pillais wife organising the soirees has turned some into videographers and event managers for 70yearold m rajamani a former national highways official videography and editing is the new hobby i had interest in photography after a few lessons from my grandson i can now shoot and edit the videos of the functions here being a july baby it was rajamanis turn last month to be in front of the camera it was one of the most special birthdays i expected a message from my children who live abroad but the piano recital by my 12yearold granddaughter left me spellbound he says during margazhi chief guests are brought in for the sabha experience talented grandkids stage dance or violin recitals or an inhouse expert gives a talk on life skills the daylong anniversary celebrations of the club on the outskirts of the city remain the most talked about event this sunday is special as m balayam the oldest member turns 88 i live alone as my son is in the us the group is like family to me and i am excited to meet all my friends he says