- More than 500 seniors honored on International Day of Older Persons, special honors given to three centenarian mothers
Tricycles to needy and prostheses to disabled persons distributed
Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Shri Narayan Singh Kushwaha said that the elderly are the precious heritage of our family and society. His life experience, knowledge and blessings are the basis of guidance for the new generation. Respect for the elderly should not be limited to just one day and should be a part of our practices and rituals. He said this at a state level program organized at the Golden Jubilee Auditorium of the Academy of Administration on the occasion of the International Elderly Birthday Day. More than 500 people were felicitated with shawls in the program. The program was presided over by MP Shri Alok Sharma and MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani was present as a special guest.
Minister Shri Kushwaha said that senior citizens who have completed 100 years of their life are also present in the program. He has a century of experience from which the society and the younger generation can learn a lot. Seniors who have completed the age of 100 years are eligible for open books. By sitting with them, interacting with them, their life experiences and knowledge can be absorbed. Seniors should stay connected with the family and should not be bound by unnecessary social constraints. Older people who are healthy and want to work should be given opportunities to be active to the best of their ability.
Minister Shri Kushwaha said that India’s family system, culture and values of life are a matter of inspiration for the whole world. Many developed countries of the world are also learning from Indian traditions related to family, respect for elders and life values. We should make respect and service to the elderly a part of life while strengthening this rich tradition of ours.
He said that Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Under the leadership of Mohan Yadav, continuous efforts are being made to fulfill the needs of the elderly, disabled and other socially needy sections of the region through various public welfare schemes. The aim of the government is to reach the benefit of the schemes to the needy sections and provide them with the necessary support for a dignified and better life. Under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan, importance is being given to respect and welfare of senior citizens. Availability of health screening and assistive devices in the program is part of the work being done in this direction. He wished all the elderly people a healthy, happy and long life.
Bhopal MP Shri Alok Sharma said that seniors have enriched the family and society with their experience, contribution and traditions. His respect and dignified presence is a symbol of the rich tradition of the family and society. His life experience continues to inspire the new generation.
MLA Shri Bhagwandas Sabnani said that honoring the elderly under Seva Sankalp Abhiyan is an opportunity to express gratitude for their contribution to the society. His experience and blessings are invaluable to the society. He expressed respect to all the seniors and wished them a healthy and happy life.
Parashuram Welfare Board Chairman Pt. Mr. Vishnu Rajoria while extending his greetings on the International Day of Elderly said that the service and respect of parents and the elderly is an important feature of our culture. It is our responsibility to respect the experience and guidance of seniors in the family and society.
Mrs. Sonali Ponkshe Wayangankar, Principal Secretary, Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, said that along with the increase in life expectancy, the responsibilities related to health, social and financial security of senior citizens have also increased. Elderly need to be made aware of health facilities, social security and protection from cyber crimes. Work is being done by the department at various levels in this direction and attention is also being given to training related to maintenance.
Commissioner of Department of Social Justice and Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities Shri Krishna Gopal Tiwari said that the purpose of International Day of Older Persons is to express gratitude for the contribution of senior citizens and ensure their dignified life. The program provided necessary information and support to the elderly through facilities like health screening and cyber awareness. He said that continuous work is being done by the department to provide necessary services and support to the senior citizens.
Special centenary honors were given to three centenarian mothers Mrs. Rajubai, Mrs. Tulsibai and Mrs. Kaushalya Devi who completed 100 years of age in the program. All three Shatayu Matas were honored with an honorarium of ₹5,100 and a shawl.
In the program, artificial limbs and necessary auxiliary equipment were provided to the disabled by Mahaveer Sanstha. This will help people with disabilities to have more facilities in their daily life and support towards self-reliance. Along with this, health check-up facilities were also provided for the senior citizens. Necessary check-ups and health related information provided by health experts.
In the program tricycles were distributed to the needy persons with disabilities. This will provide them with ease of movement and more independence in daily activities. Elderly friends actively offered their services. He assisted in assisting the senior citizens, transporting them to the venue and providing necessary facilities.
Chief Secretary Mrs. Sonali Ponkshe Wayangankar, Commissioner Mr. Krishna Gopal Tiwari along with departmental officers, public representatives, representatives of various organizations and a large number of senior citizens were present in the program.