Bhubaneswar:- Seventy-five years of life teaches you one important lesson—that relationships are the real wealth we earn,” said 75-year-old senior citizen Mr Pradyot Bisoi, his voice calm yet filled with lived wisdom, as he looked around Bishnupriya Apartment on the evening of December 31. “In these walls, we have not just lived side by side; we have grown together as a family. That is why this place never feels like an apartment, it feels like home,” he added, setting the emotional tone for what became a deeply moving celebration of time, togetherness and human connection.
Bhubaneswar witnessed a rare and heart-touching moment as Bishnupriya Apartment marked the completion of twenty-five years of its existence while bidding farewell to the year 2025. In an age where urban living is often associated with isolation and hurried routines, the silver jubilee celebration of this residential complex stood out as a powerful reminder that shared spaces can still nurture shared lives. What unfolded was not merely an anniversary programme, but a collective reflection on life, memory and the quiet strength of intergenerational bonds.
As the year drew to a close, three generations came together not as neighbours bound by addresses, but as members of one extended family. The significance of the celebration lay in the unique convergence of milestones- twenty-five years of the apartment’s journey and the presence of residents aged seventy-five years and above, whose experiences became the emotional foundation of the event. Their presence transformed the occasion into a dialogue between past, present and future, reminding everyone that progress finds meaning only when rooted in empathy and respect.
At Bishnupriya Apartment, time was not measured merely in years. It was felt in shared memories, mutual care and the evolving relationships among residents. Elderly members, many of whom had witnessed the transformation of the neighbourhood and the growth of the apartment complex, were not treated as passive spectators. Instead, they were honoured as living repositories of wisdom, whose smiles, stories and blessings infused the celebration with depth and dignity.
Reflecting this spirit, Bishnupriya Apartment Owner Society General Secretary P. K. Mohanty, fondly known as Dilu, spoke with visible emotion. “Bishnupriya Apartment is not just a place where we live; it is a family that has grown together over twenty-five years. We have seen children take their first steps here, grow into adults, and in that same space we have been guided by the silent strength and blessings of our elders. This bond between generations is our greatest wealth, far beyond bricks and walls,” he said, articulating the collective sentiment of the residents.
The celebrations unfolded over three days, during which the apartment premises came alive with shared participation. Children, youth, women and senior citizens occupied the same spaces, dissolving age-based boundaries that often define social interactions. Drawing competitions, rangoli creation and quiz contests witnessed enthusiastic participation from nearly 150 residents. Corridors once known for brief exchanges echoed with laughter, conversations stretched beyond routine greetings, and the entire complex embraced a festive warmth that felt deeply personal.
What made these activities special was not the element of competition, but the sense of unity they fostered. Elderly residents watching children draw with focused innocence, or applauding young performers with pride-filled smiles, became some of the most touching moments of the celebration. These quiet exchanges revealed the true success of the silver jubilee—not in scale, but in emotional resonance.
Cultural programmes formed the heart of the festivities, reflecting the organisers’ intention to go beyond staged performances. Anamika Mahakud, one of the key organisers, shared her thoughts with heartfelt clarity. “Our intention was never limited to performances on a stage. We wanted every resident to feel seen, valued and connected. When a small child dances and elders respond with smiling eyes and gentle applause, that moment itself becomes a celebration of life,” she said, highlighting the philosophy that guided the event.
Women participants found the celebration particularly empowering, as it offered a platform for expression beyond daily responsibilities. Poonam Nayak, a participant in the rangoli competition, described her experience with symbolism and warmth. “As we created designs with colours, it felt as though we were also colouring our relationships. Such platforms bring out hidden talents in women and allow us to express ourselves beyond daily responsibilities,” she shared, echoing the sentiments of many residents.
Another resident, Madhumita Pattanaik, reflected on the deeper meaning of the silver jubilee celebrations. “At Bishnupriya Apartment, celebrations are never just about winning or losing. Here, the real victory is the bond we share. We laugh together, learn from one another and grow as a community,” she said, capturing the ethos that defined the event.
Children, too, voiced their happiness with refreshing honesty. Swastik Mohanty, who took part in the drawing competition, summed up the spirit of the celebration in simple words. “I drew what I felt inside my heart. Winning is not as important as sitting with my friends and drawing together in my apartment. That makes me happiest,” he said, reminding everyone that joy often lies in shared moments rather than prizes.
The smooth organisation of quiz, drawing and rangoli competitions was supported by IndusInd Bank, whose involvement was acknowledged as an example of meaningful community-corporate collaboration. Bishnupriya Apartment Owner’s Society Vice President Suresh Chandra Mohapatra noted that such partnerships, when aligned with shared values, help strengthen collective engagement and social harmony.
One of the major highlights of the celebration was the release of a commemorative e-souvenir, prepared with the support of Ms.Seeta Abburu and unveiled by P. K. Mohanty. The digital publication stood as a lasting archive of memories, photographs and reflections, ensuring that the emotions of the silver jubilee would remain preserved beyond the moment. The Silver Jubilee Committee, guided by advisors P. K. Mohanty, Kamal Kanta Pradhan, Suresh Chandra Mohapatra and Professor Tushar Kanta Pani, worked closely with organisers Anamika Mahakud, Bijayalaxmi Jena, Madhumita Pattanaik, Dipti Nanda, Suvendu Pattanaik and Arun Khemani to ensure the seamless execution of the celebrations.
Perhaps the most poignant reflections came from the elderly residents themselves. Pradyot Bisoi, also spoke with quiet gratitude. “Though we have crossed seventy-five, we never feel alone here. The laughter of children and the respect shown by the young give us a new sense of life. It feels as though our years have found meaning in this shared warmth,” the senior citizen said, his words resonating deeply across generations.
In moments like these, numbers transcended statistics. Seventy-five years symbolised resilience, patience and wisdom shaped by experience. Twenty-five years represented continuity, shared effort and collective growth. Together, they formed a philosophy anchored in endurance, empathy and human connection.
As the final moments of 2025 approached, Bishnupriya Apartment did not merely count down to a new year. It paused to reflect, to remember and to reaffirm its values. The silver jubilee celebration left behind a powerful message—that even in the heart of a fast-growing city, an apartment complex can evolve into a living, breathing family when unity, respect and compassion guide its people. In celebrating time, Bishnupriya Apartment ultimately celebrated life itself.
Report: Aswini Kumar Darjee
Input: Seeta Abburu
