1 Oct :To promote inter-generational bonding on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons a “Walkathon” is flagged off by Smt. Meira Kumar, Minister of Social Justice & Empowerment, here today.
About 2,500 senior citizens and school children participated in the event. The function was organised by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in collaboration with HelpAge India. Some girls from Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Hostel, Agartala, Tripura also participated in the Walkathon. They later presented a dance performance on the occasion.
Emphasizing the need to sensitize the society at large about the needs of the older persons, the Minister said that the Government is very much concerned about the welfare and security of the older persons, especially those belonging to below poverty line and families residing in remote and rural areas. She further added that the cooperation of NGOs and public, especially the youth is required to create an environment where older persons get respect, care and due affection.
1st October is observed all over the world as International Day of the Elderly. The basic idea behind the celebrations is to recognize the services rendered by the senior citizens and to reiterate the Government’s commitment towards the cause of the elderly. This year also, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has been organising a series of programmes and felicitating the distinguished senior citizens with Vayoshreshta Samman.