During a fitness fest organised by PoornaShakti
On World Elders Day (October 1), PoornaShakti completes two years of entertaining, empowering and engaging senior citizens. Founded by lifeskill trainer and humorist Usha Ramky, the former banker describes PoornaShakti as a ‘gateway to graceful ageing’.
Her experiences around her made Usha start this YouTube channel that targets Tamil-speaking audience above the age of 55. “Many seniors begin to feel lonely, that is when I thought of doing something to make them feel part of the society,” says Usha, who is in her mid-50s.
Usha Ramky wears many hats including that of a lifeskill trainer and humorist
Her research also found that many of them spent their time connected with digital platforms, so PoornaShakti started by offering them engaging content online.
Sample these. Yesteryear actor ARS (A.R. Srinivasan) conducts an interview with Usha on how he has adjusted to his life at 90. And then a retired teacher, Shantha Krishnamurthy, who at 85 does craft work that keeps her mind and hands active, is in focus.
Besides inspiring stories of seniors, there are devotional songs, retro music and other programmes on the channel. There are other videos that talk about food, life and diet through personal stories.
“We upload content twice a week, and in these two years we have 340 videos and shots that can be viewed anytime and is free of cost,” says Usha, who shuttles between her home in Teynampet and Kancheepuram.
PoornaShakti also tries to engage seniors offline through events. Through PoornaShakti awards, eminent personalities were honoured. There was a fitness fest conducted for elders.
They have also had two editions of digital Marghazi music season, where Carnatic music enthusiasts share videos of their music, that witnessed a good response. Usha says her journey in the last two years has been satisfying but she still has a long way to go.
“I want those who are in their mid-50s to help those in the 80s, it could even be with a friendly chat with them on a regular basis,” she says.
Tamizh Thiruvizha on September 14
On September 14, PoornaShakti is organising ‘Tamizh Thiruvizha – celebrating culture with seniors’ at St. Raphaels School in Mylapore. The event will have traditional games, competitions, food and entertainment. There is no registration fee. While entries are closed for cookery, folk song and dance, they are still accepting names for Rangoli competition. Those working in the area of elder care are also invited to put on stalls at the venue.
To participate, WhatsApp name and age to 89254 11120.
Published – August 30, 2025 09:36 pm IST
