Department of Social Welfare on October 1 celebrated International day of older persons at Kiphire village in collaboration with Initiative of Change (IoFC) Kiphire with deputy commissioner Kiphire, Sedevekho Khro as chief guest attended by nearly hundred elderly persons.
Stating that time cannot be stopped by anyone the DC said, we would all grow with time and appeal the gathering to make good use of the best available time for the benefit of the society by contributing positive thoughts.
Along with age there came wisdom and the chief guest said, older persons have knowledge as well as wisdom which was because they had lived life and experienced it. He asked the older persons present to teach the younger generation the expertise and wisdom for the better growth of the society.
The chief guest also asked the older persons to take good care of one’s health so that they live longer and be guardians of the society as life was a blessing.
Adding change of life style especially the food habits from organic to inorganic has invited lot of sickness the chief guest appealed the older persons to get regular check up from time to time to save them from sickness.
Sharing on various schemes available in the department and giving a key note address, CDPO & DWO I/C Kiphire, Z.T Sangtam disclose that there were 2466 beneficiary of various categories under the department in the district and also added there were around 186 persons who had crossed 80 years of age in the district.
Dr Holiba, member of IoFC Kiphire, who spoke on the theme said, if “you” live a healthy life and are fit no one could discriminate “you” and also added, healthy life was a key to fight against ageism.
The department also gave some cash to all the older persons who had attended the day.Later in the evening, Initiative of Change (IoFC) Kiphire organized a dinner program with older persons who have crossed the age of 80 years in the town under the theme .“Glorious evening”.
TAMLU: Along with the rest of the country, International Day for older person was observed at Tamlu HQ under the theme “Take a stand against ageism”, with EAC, Tamlu Tokai Sumi as chief guest.
Speaking at the programme, chief guest spoke on the three stages of life viz birth, marriage & retirement. He congratulated the senior citizens gathered there for attaining all the three stages of life and wished them long life.
He also emphasized on the role of Church and NGOs in initiating a special prayer programme for senior citizens on a day like this.
Moklong Phom, while speaking on behalf of the senior citizens, thanked God for long life and thanked the social welfare department for making the Day special for them by organising the special program for them which he said was a very rare occasion at their present age.
Two oldest person male and female namely Longang and Tenjei respectively were honoured on the occasion and presented with gift.
Changpang village: Changpang village, one of the oldest of Lotha villages in Wokha district celebrated the DAY for the first time on October 1, attended by a large gathering. Yanathung Ngullie, businessman along with few educated unemployed youth organized the program under the theme ‘we really care’. The programme was followed up with the participation of oldest man and woman in the village besides old aged persons.