(MOREPIC1) Face2News/Chandigarh
On the occasion of the International Day of Older Persons, the Governor of Punjab and Administrator of UT Chandigarh, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria, attended a programme organised by the Chandigarh Senior Citizen Association as a Chief Guest and appealed to families, society and institutions to jointly ensure the dignity, safety and active life of senior citizens. He prayed for their good health and long life and said that the suggestions and experiences of senior citizens have played an important role in nation and society building.
The Administrator appreciated the Chandigarh Senior Citizen Association, established in 1996 under the leadership of former Punjab Chief Secretary late Shri P.H. Vaishnav, for providing free services such as physiotherapy, yoga and health check-ups, along with various social welfare activities.
Addressing the gathering, the Administrator described senior citizens as “living libraries” and highlighted their invaluable knowledge and experience. He urged young people to learn from elders and encouraged senior citizens to share their experiences and suggestions to help strengthen the policies of the Chandigarh Administration. He also suggested that the term senior citizens home should be replaced with a more positive and respectful name, similar to the use of the term Divyangjan Awaas for persons with disabilities.
Highlighting current challenges, Shri Kataria said that rapid urbanisation, migration for employment and the shift towards nuclear families have led to loneliness and neglect among many elderly persons, making collective responsibility towards their welfare essential.
The Administrator informed that several welfare schemes were being implemented for senior citizens, including old-age pensions, health insurance, specialised healthcare programmes and legal safeguards under the Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act.
During the event, the Administrator felicitated and commended senior citizens and volunteers for their contributions in the fields of medical care, literature, education, social work, culture and as Red Cross volunteers. He also interacted with senior citizens, assured them of administrative support and advised them to seek appointments for Janta Darbar or Jan Sunvai, held every Wednesday, for redressal of their grievances.
