Marking the UN’s “International Day of Older Persons 2017”, various programmes under the theme: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society” was organised, Sunday in honour of older persons across Nagaland.
SW Deptt: Department of social welfare organised a programme at Red Cross building Kohima, wherein Nagaland state social welfare board, chairperson, Bano Vinito, spoke on the significance of the day. Bano urged the older persons to cultivate positive mindset and dispel negative thoughts and encouraged them to create positive environment for the younger generations. She also asked the older persons to guide and advice the younger generation to live a fruitful life. In a welcome address, director social welfare, T. Merangtsungba Aier, termed the day as auspicious as the older persons are acknowledged for their wisdom and contribution towards the society. Speaking on behalf of Senior Citizens Forum, Khekiye Sema, asked the senior citizens to share their experiences and wisdom to the youngsters so that they (young generation) could benefit from it. Netsütso Theyo (86 years), one of the state level awardees of best senior citizen (male category), in his brief address, said he had faced many ups and downs however he was not defeated because he cling to God’s words. Meyisongla (75 years), one of the state level awardees (female category), said it was privilege to experience grey hair due to God’s grace though many of her friends are no more. She encouraged the senior citizens to have positive minds and live a cheerful life to live longer. Rev. L. Suohie Mhasi (96 years), district level (Kohima) best senior citizen awardees, said that though each year his age increases he keep himself busy and occupied for the Lord and society by writing to various dignitaries across the world. Renchano Kent (80 years), district level awardees, also addressed the gathering. The programme was attended senior citizens and family members, officials of Nagaland senior citizens forum, social welfare department and others. All the senior citizens present were honoured with gifts from the department of social welfare. Bano Vinito gave away awards with certificates to both state and district level awardees.
Kohima Old Age Home: Kohima Old Age Home Meriema observed the day by showing special honour to 24 inmates of the home on Sunday evening. The day was graced by managing director, Kohima Hospital, Dr. Tseilhoutuo Rhutso as special guest.
In his message, Dr. Rhutso stressed the need of awareness on personal hygiene and health care and advised the older persons to have a positive mindset and maintain personal hygiene.
He said the percentage of life duration for senior citizens may increase in the coming years due to advancement of medical science. Dr. Rhutso also stressed on the importance of donation/charity by public towards the needy and the senior citizens. Panel lawyer Kohima district legal services authority, Sunjib Rana, also briefed the older person on government of India’s many new provisions and schemes to help the senior citizens. Stating that senior citizens have right to live with dignity and respect, he said no one should abuse the senior citizens emotionally or physically and that offenders are punishable under the law. Managing director of Kohima Old Age Home, Neithonuo Liegise, said that the home aim to provide both physical and spiritual well being to the inmates. Neithonuo said it was her commitment to start the old age home to enable the old people to live a graceful life and die peacefully. She also shared some of the difficulties and hardship face in running the old age home confronting with Naga cultures and fund constraint. Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum, general secretary, S. Ghunatha Swu, urged the senior citizens to pray for the Naga society and children. CRC Tsiesema Village Pastor, Neiloulie said invocation prayer, special song was presented by Tsiesema Baptist Church youth and vote of thanks by SWS joint secretary, Kevisanuo. The Kohima Old age home has 24 inmates (9 males and 15 females).
LONGLENG: “International Day of Older Persons” was observed at Longleng town with additional deputy commissioner Longleng, Temsuwati Longkmer as the chief guest.
In his address, Longkumer asked the senior citizens to guide the society with their vast experiences. He also asked them to guide the younger generation and impart them the wisdom and knowledge. Longkumer also asked them to take good care of their health so that they could continue to be good guardians for the younger generation. On the occasion, the voice of senior citizen was delivered by Phom Senior Citizen Forum, president, Elung Phom. The programme was chaired by supervisor social welfare department, Nyumung Phom, invocation by LTBC associate pastor, Mongoi Phom, welcome address was delivered by CDPO Longleng, Y. Tauhong Phom. Best senior award were awarded to Apenla Phom and H.T.Longpen Phom.
KIPHIRE: Department of social welfare Kiphire observed “International Day of Older Persons” at Longmatra town with SDO (C) Kiphire, James Khulu as chief guest. In his message, Khulu brief the senior citizens on various programme and policies of the government for the benefit of the older persons. Stating that older persons are asset of the society, he said asked them to show the right path to the confused younger generation. Khulu also appealed to the older persons to pass on the rich tradition and legacy of truth, honesty and integrity to the younger generation. In a keynote address, DWO in-charge, Z. Tsangkhuchu Sangtam, shared about the schemes available for older persons in the department. He appealed the senior citizens to maintain good diet and maintain healthy lifestyle. (Correspondents)
DIMAPUR: National social assistance programme beneficiaries under Dimapur district (2016-17) comprises of 5208 old age beneficiaries in Dimapur out of which 13247 (eligible) are yet to receive old age pensions, disclosed District Welfare Officer (DWO) Dimapur Tosheli Zhimomi. She was speaking at International Day of Older Persons organised by department of social welfare, Dimapur at Phaipijang council hall, Dimapur. Focusing on the theme, Zhimomi presented power point presentation where she made a mentioned that the day was about enabling and expanding the contribution of older people in their families, communities and society at large.
She asserted that the day also focuses on the pathways that support full and effective participation in old age in accordance with the old person’s basic rights, needs and preferences.
Short speech was also delivered by Phaipijang village council chairman Thangkhonkai Gangte where he lauded the department for organizing such programme in the village which has been the first of its kind and further marked the day as a blessing.
Basing on the theme and the contribution to the society recognition of older person was delivered by Child Development Project Officer (CDPO) urban Asangla Jamir. The programme was chaired by CDPO Niuland CDPO Akali Sema, invocation prayer was pronounced by Phaipijang Baptist Church pastor Upa L Khongsai, welcome address was delivered by DPO Dimapur S Nezolu Rhakho and special song was presented by Anganwadi children, Phaipijang, vote of thanks was delivered by CDPO, rural Dzuziengulie Trehuja. (Staff Reporter)
ZUNHEBOTO: “International Day of Older Persons” organized by NSCFZDU in collaboration with ZDLSA and Social Welfare department was observed at youth hall, Zunheboto with executive engineer, PHE, Zunheboto, Er. Kitoshe Aye as chief guest. According to DIPR report, Er. Kitoshe dwelt on the contribution made by older persons in society as immense and legendary. He said behind every success there was always an experienced and elderly person. During the occasion, the best district senior citizens were awarded to Yevihe Chishi and Loholi Zhimo. CDPO, Zunheboto, Hovishe Sema spoke on the relationship between older and the younger generation while Easter spoke on the legal rights of senior citizens. Short speech was also delivered by DWO, Zunheboto, Atula Kikon while ZTSBC pastor invoked God’s blessing on the senior citizens and the newly elected executives.
DDLSA: Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA) team DDLSA secretary and chief judicial magistrate, Dimapur, Ajongba Imchen, visited the elderly at the home run by missionaries of charity at Notun Bosti, Dimapur. A press note by DDLSA stated Ajongba Imchen, while interacting with the staff and inmates, assured that the DDLSA would make a serious effort to address any problems faced by the home. Panel advocate, DDLDA, Zuchumpeni, spoke on the various schemes and welfare provisions for parents and senior citizens. Some of the senior citizens also spoke of their experiences at the home. The welcome address was delivered by sister superior Godeline, Mother Teresa Home, Dimapur, while the programme was chaired by panel advocate, DDLSA, Sentimela.
MDLSA: Mokokchung District Legal Services Authority (MDLSA) team comprising of panel lawyer MDLSA, Sentinaro and panel lawyer MDLSA, Maongtula and PLVs visited the old age recreational Morung at Ungma Village in observation of the International Day of Older Persons. During an interaction, the team learnt that the recreational Morung was constructed by the village council for the male elderly person above 80 years of age to help them stay connected among themselves. Surviving 15 elders were between the ages of 82-93 years old. The elders come together twice a week to make baskets and sell for their management.
Sentinaro highlighted the older people about their rights and benefits and functioning of MDLSA. She also thanked senior citizens for sharing their knowledge, experience and wisdom.
In another programme, organised by social welfare department Mokokchung, retainer lawyer, I. Imkong Jamir, highlighted the senior citizens about rights and benefits for the parents and themselves. He appealed the departments to effectively enforce rights and benefits of parents and senior citizens as laid down in the act. Around 200 senior citizens attended the programme.
WDLSA: Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) observed International Day of Older Persons at Longsa cultural hall. In the programme, panel lawyer WDLSA, Meribemo Lotha spoke on “welfare schemes – national social assistance program”, while panel lawyer, Renbonthung Tsanglao spoke on NALSA, (legal services to senior citizens) scheme 2016. Earlier, PLV WDLSA, Titibeni chaired the programme and panel lawyer WDLSA, M. Gracy Ezung also highlighted on WDLSA roles and functions and spoke on various legal provisions for senior citizen. Longsa Village Chairman Zayio Ezung delivered opening remark, while Renbonthung Tsanglao delivered the closing remark. Altogether, 150 senior Citizens attended the programme.
TOAHDCC: Tribal Old Age Home cum Day Care Centre (TOAHDCC) celebrated its 3rd anniversary and International Day of Older Persons at TOAHDCC premises with 41 senior citizens, well wishers, caregivers and families.
A press note by TOAHDCC stated that a brief history of the institution, concepts, activities, facilities and future plans was shared by director of TOAHDCC Imli Amri. Testimonies were shared by the registered senior citizens and the word of God by Pastor of The Light House Church, Wabang Longchari.
The service was conducted by Johny Kikon, invocation by pastor Indisen Baptist Arogo, Dr. Temjen Ozukum and special prayers were shared between the senior citizens and youths. Message in song was presented by MMS. The oldest person who attended the program was 94 years old, Kumsameren Imsong.