Bhubaneswar, Oct 1: HelpAge India, the Odisha Chapter observed International Day of Older Persons on Monday.
On an occasion organised at Red Cross Bhawan Bhubaneswar, the HelpAge India rolled out a social campaign under the aegis of ‘# Generations Together’ to regard senior citizens across all ages and generations.
Speaking on the occasion, Bharati Chakra, State Head-Odisha, HelpAge India mentioned that the HelpAge India is kickstarting a campaign on this phenomenal day nationally named “#Generations Together” to disseminate a note of message in the human society to honour the elderly persons. She underlined the importance of participation of all stakeholders in taking forward the cause of senior citizens in the state. She also discussed that the district senior citizen committees should become functional to ensure the issues of senior citizens are heard and resolved with utmost care& solidarity.
Dr. R Venkat Rao – HOD, Community Medicine, SOA University discussed about healthcare, especially care of mental health of elderly to be emphasized in both policy as well as in programs to implement the policy.
Dr. Ambika Prasad Nanda from Tata Steel CSR program talked about the important role played by grandparents in the life of grandchildren. He also mentioned the academic inclusion of popular narratives around elderly should be part of the state policy.
Noor from the UNFPA mentioned that a major shift in population is happening and there is need of systems and processes in place to meet the emerging demand of growing elderly population in the state.
Sangita Agarwal, Senior Editor, Ommcom News Service mentioned about the dimensions and crucial role played by media in ensuring rights, entitlements and care of elderly persons.
Chakra also appreciated the Odisha government initiative of school student’s oath taking on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons in all schools of Odisha.
Students, Senior Citizens Associations and social development organisations participated in the program. All the senior citizens were welcomed by students with a rose flower to mark the day.
Meanwhile, the senior citizens present on the occasion also shared their views, issues they encounter with in their everyday lives and suggested recommendations which need to be included in state policy for welfare and social security of the senior citizens.
The meeting ended with vote of thanks by Ranjay Kumar Das, Senior Program Manager, HelpAge India.
