In a bustling metropolis like Dubai, where fast-paced lifestyles and digital routines dominate, it’s easy to overlook the quiet joy of early morning walks or the comfort of meaningful companionship. But tucked away in the lakeside serenity of Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), a unique community of senior citizens is showing the world that age is no barrier to joy, connection, or purpose. Welcome to the story of the JLT Bansuri Group — a social walking group turned chosen family.
It All Started With a Walk
Back in January 2018, two friends — Visu Rupani and Bhagatjee Goyal — happened to cross paths during their morning walks around the lake near Cluster Indigo Tower in JLT. What started as a polite greeting soon blossomed into daily walks, long chats, and shared laughter. Alongside them was another regular walker and friend, Kishanchandh Jee. These early interactions weren’t just a way to stay fit — they were the beginning of something beautiful.
As more walkers joined them over time, the morning strolls became livelier and more engaging. Conversations flowed easily. Bonds strengthened. Within months, a core group of 15 senior members was formed. They decided to give themselves a name — something musical, meaningful, and light-hearted.
And so, the JLT Bansuri Group was born.
The Gift of Bansuri: A Symbol of Friendship
To celebrate the spirit of this growing fellowship, Visu Rupani gifted each of the original 15 members a colorful bansuri (flute). The flute, often symbolic of peace and melody, reflected the harmony of the group. It wasn’t about music — it was about unity, rhythm, and the shared joy of life.
They started taking photos, exchanging morning messages, and exploring nearby destinations like the Marina, JBR Beach, and Jumeirah Islands. Thursdays became “Bansuri Days” — tea, biscuits, laughter, and a sense of belonging filled the air.
From a Walking Club to a Community Movement
As the years passed, life shifted. Some members moved out of their original towers — Visu relocated to Cluster J, while Bhagatjee moved to Cluster S, and others shifted to nearby towers. Despite the physical distance, the emotional bond remained intact.
Missing each other’s presence, they began meeting every Thursday at each other’s homes and continued their walks on weekends. Sundays became an unofficial tradition of hosting one another, reinforcing their shared commitment to friendship.
Between 2018 and 2020, what began as a simple walking group transformed into a tight-knit community with its own routines, rituals, and shared history.
Welcoming More Members: A Senior Group Like No Other
It wasn’t long before other senior walking groups in the JLT area took notice. The JLT Senior Citizens Walkers Group and the Yamuna Paar Group joined hands with the JLT Bansuri Group. With the unification of these like-minded walkers, the group was rebranded as the Dubai JLT Senior Group — now a thriving organization with over 200+ members and counting.
This wasn’t just a group that met for fitness. They celebrated birthdays and wedding anniversaries with breakfast, lunch, or dinner parties. Every event came with gifts, love, and songs — often led by the group’s musical member, Mr. Nanda Kishore Ji, who broadcasts Bollywood melodies every Sunday morning at 10 AM.
Mornings That Begin With Laughter and Exercise
Every morning at 6 AM, the group meets at Gate No. 2 in the park, where they begin their day with laughter therapy, light exercises, and brisk walks. After the session, prasad is distributed with blessings and camaraderie.
In the evenings, members regroup — especially during the warmer months — near the fountains or outside Baba Ram Restaurant, sharing stories, laughter, and small bites.
Temple Visits, Langar, and Weekend Gatherings
Spirituality is another thread that binds the JLT Bansuri Group. Fifteen core members visit Hindu temples and gurudwaras every week, partaking in langars and prayers. Every year, the group also makes a collective trip to the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi.
Weekends are cherished: Saturdays are for walks to JBR and tea by the beach. Sundays are for cultural connection and hospitality, where subgroups like Yamuna Paar invite friends for tea, snacks, and meaningful discussions.
Celebrating Culture, Unity, and National Pride
The group is not just about walking — they proudly celebrate India’s Republic Day, Independence Day, and UAE’s National Day. Members host flag-hoisting ceremonies, distribute snacks, and enjoy cultural performances. Their festive calendar includes Diwali, Ganesh Chaturthi, Christmas, and Holi, making them a year-round celebration machine.
They even have a dress code for marine walks and other festive gatherings, adding flair and identity to their group’s personality.
Yachting, Social Service and Giving Back
Every three months, the group hosts a family yacht party — a chance for members to bring loved ones, enjoy the sea, and dance into the evening. It’s a symbol of how vibrant senior life can be when lived in companionship.
Their kindness doesn’t end within the group. On every third Thursday, Bhagatjee Ji and others distribute juice and biscuits to JLT’s security guards and workers — a thoughtful act of community service that defines the group’s ethos.
Across Cities, Across Borders
What makes the story of JLT Bansuri Group even more remarkable is how it extends beyond Dubai. Many members travel frequently between India and the UAE. Whether it’s Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chandigarh, or Kolkata, the bonds remain intact. When members visit India, they reunite at each other’s homes or local clubs. When friends return to Dubai, they are welcomed back with warmth and familiarity.
The group has become a living example of how geography doesn’t define relationships — care and connection do.
A Living Legacy of Friendship and Joy
In a world where seniors often find themselves isolated or overlooked, the JLT Bansuri Group is nothing short of a beacon of hope. They show that age is just a number, and friendship, wellness, laughter, and service can define your golden years.
What started as a morning walk has evolved into a movement — one that brings meaning, structure, celebration, and love into the lives of over 200 seniors in Dubai and beyond.
Whether it’s a flute, a walk, a smile, or a shared cup of tea — sometimes, the smallest things can lead to the biggest joys.