Good Samaritan Senior Citizens’ Home (GSWS), Kohima, observed its 16th foundation day with commissioner and secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarah R Ritse as the guest of honour, here, Sunday.
In a short speech, Sarah congratulated the founders of the home for initiating a noble mission of catering to the needs of destitute senior citizens.
She further acknowledged the caretakers and staff of the home, who had been rendering their services to the senior members of the society.
Sarah noted that at a time when Covid-19 pandemic had disrupted the normal lives of everyone the recently launched helpline for senior citizens was a much needed initiative.
She added that the helpline will be able to provide guidance, information, emotional support and direct field intervention for the older section of the society.
Sarah assured that the department will try to make its services accessible to help older people in distress.
Pointing out the senior citizens deserve to live with dignity and that they needed outmost care, support and empathy, Sarah urged everyone to make concerted efforts towards the wellbeing of elders in the community.
Giving a brief history about the home, pioneer and managing director of senior citizens’ home, Neithonuo Liegise said the same was founded and formally established on August 1, 2005.
Its primary vision was to provide quality healthcare and love to the needy senior citizens, who did not have any children or family to look after them or in cases where they were neglected by their families, Neithonuo said. She added that the home strived to provide secured shelter, proper nutrition and healthcare to all its residents.
Neithonuo also gave a detail insight into her 16 year journey and attributed all her achievements so far as God’s blessings.
She disclosed that GSWS plans to continue serving senior citizens sincerely and positively and to provide them with better facilities and start with recreational and resource centre for them in the State.
Seniormost guest during the event, Rev. K. Tsaikha Shohe, who is 102 years old, in a short speech urged the government to ensure that eligible senior citizens were given pension under the Senior Citizens’ Pension scheme provided by the government.
He pointed out that while many government officials were earning lakh as monthly salary, there were numerous senior citizens who do not even earn a single rupee in a year.
He urged the government to give extra effort in locating incapacitated senior citizens from the more than 1,000 villages in the State and provide them with the said pension and help mitigate the difficulties faced by them on a daily basis.
He also presented a special number with the MD of the home, Neithonuo Liegise.
Earlier, the programme chaired by GSWS secretary Kavini Theünuo began with an invocation by Central Baptist Church, Bayavü, Kohima, pastor-Neichalie Chadi.
Nagaland Senior Citizens Helpline member Bendangmeren gave a brief insight into the helpline, Senior Citizens’ Home staff presented a special number while medical officer of the home, Dr R. Rose Chakhesang said the benediction.