Along with the rest of the world, the International Day of Older Persons 2024 was celebrated across the state under the theme “Ageing with Dignity” on Tuesday. The state level celebration was held at NBCC convention hall, Kohima.
Advisor of Social Welfare, Wangpang Konyak, who graced the event, said that day was not just a celebration for the elderly but to underscore a commitment to their dignity and well-being. He described elderly persons as the bearers of the culture, the custodians of the traditions, and the living history of the society.
According to Wangpang “Ageing with dignity” was not a mere slogan, but a call to action and that it was everyone responsibility to honour and respect the elders who have instilled values, and provided emotional and physical support in building the society.
It was also everyone duty to pledge to return that support and ensured that they live life in comfort, respect, and dignity. He also advised the younger generations to take moments to listen, learn, and engage with the elders as they are the greatest treasure of the family, society and the nation with immense ocean of knowledge, experience and wisdom which serve as a guiding light for the younger generation.
He also encouraged all the Senior Citizens of Nagaland especially, those who have much experiences, to involve more actively in addressing the various issues faced by the society.
Meanwhile, Distinguished Senior Citizens Award was presented to Yesonü Veyie and Abeni T.C.K for their outstanding contribution towards the society and State.
In the programme, secretary, Social Welfare, Martha R. Ritse delivered the keynote address and executive member SCAN and former minister, Deo Nukhu spoke on behalf of the Senior Citizens Association, Nagaland. Wokha Village Senior Citizens celebrated their 19th anniversary.
WOKHA: Wokha Village Senior Citizens celebrated their 19th anniversary, coinciding with the International Day of Older Persons, at the Wokha Village Church.
The event was held under the theme “Well-being in the Elderly,” with director (Dental) Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Meribeni Odyuo as the theme speaker.
During the programme, eldest members of the village, Ezamo Kikon (98) was recognized as the oldest men and Yivungi Tungoe (98), as the oldest women. A moment of silence was also observed for the departed souls from the community.
Dr. Meribeni in his speech focused on practical health tips for the elderly, beginning with a strong emphasis on a balanced diet. In addition to diet, Dr. Meribeni also spoke on the significance of sleep, highlighting its critical role in overall health.
The importance of physical activity was another key point, she highlighted in her speech.
She also advised the elderly to regularly visit doctor at least once every six months, to monitor their health.
Dr. Meribeni also touched upon oral hygiene, noting that it often becomes a challenge as people aged.
Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Wokha Village Chairman Vandan Erui highlighted the immense value that older generations contribute to the community.
During the event, secretary of the Wokha Village Elders Association Yipen Tungoe delivered a report, providing updates on the senior citizens of the village.
The event was chaired by WYEO president Nzanbemo Erui and invocation by WVBC women’s leader Mhonyani Humtsoe. A prayer for the elders was offered by WVBC Pastor, Rev. O Thungben Murry, followed by a special prayer for the younger generations and grandchildren, by associate pastor Dr. O James Kithan.
MON: DC Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma, graced the International Day of Older Persons celebration in Mon as special guest. Speaking on the occasion, he said the day was celebrated to recognise and appreciate the contributions made by the older persons.
Sharing on the theme, he encouraged the gathering to bring up every child in such a way that they show love and respect to the older people. He added that older people have the right to live a dignified life. He further thanked the District Welfare Office Mon, for organising the programme and also the Chief Medical Office for organizing free health check-up for the older persons.
L. Moba, from Ukha Village and A. PaÜwaÜ Jessuhu, of Kongan Village were felicitated by the District Welfare Office with certificate for their contributions to the society. To show love and appreciation, blankets were presented to the older people present at the programme.
Medical Officer, Wakching, Dr. Chingyen, shared on health and hygiene.
T. Yanlem, DOW delivered the welcome address while the programme was chaired by Golang Kheman, Welfare Inspector. A medical camp for older people was organised by the Department of Health & Family Welfare through the Chief Medical Officer, Mon.
ZUNHEBOTO: Senior Citizens’ Association Nagaland Zunheboto District Unit in collaboration with Social Welfare Department and Legal Services Authority Zunheboto, Nagaland, celebrated the day at VDB hall Zunheboto.
During the programme, District Awards were presented to K. Vikuto Zhimomi and Kughani P. Shohe. Further, free health screening camp for senior citizens was organised which was aided by the District Hospital Zunheboto.
PEREN: The day was celebrated at Ngwualwa Baptist Church Premises with DC Peren, Hiazu Meru as special guest. In his speech, Hiazu acknowledged the contribution of the elders and highlighted the importance of strengthening care and support systems for older persons. He also encouraged the villagers to avail any opportunity which comes from the Government.
On behalf of the older persons, the elderly blessings was said by Rev. Kulungsing Meru.
The programme was organised by Good Samaritan Women Society Ngwualwa Village where they provided gifts to all the older persons present in the programme and also organised a medical check-up.
MELURI: The day was observed at Meluri village council hall. At the programme, District Welfare Officer, Abi-i Peseyie delivered the introductory remark while chairperson, Town Council Meluri, Chülekhu Nyusou highlighted on the theme. Social Welfare Department Phek also conferred the senior citizens award to Khrümatshü and Kajirhü Kajiri in recognition of their contribution to the society.
MOKOKCHUNG: The day was observed at IMDH, Mokokchung organised by NP-NCD Mokokchung in collaboration with IMDH, Mokokchung. At the event, T. Temsusenla Aier, principal School of Nursing, IMDH, highlighted the significant of the day. Dr Limanaro DIO & NP-NCD i/c delivered the overview of the programme.
Health care of the elderly was delivered by Dr Lipokyanger, Ophthalmologist, IMDH and the programme was chaired by Dr Aosemba MO, NPCDCS.
The day was observed at Diphupar village council hall organized by department of Social Welfare Dimapur in collaboration with Synergy System Dimapur. The event was graced by WSBAK executive secretary, Rev. Dr. Phughoto Aye.
On the occasion, District Welfare Officer, Keneikesangulie Zumu along with the elders and officials took the pledge and participated in the walkathon.
The programme was chaired by CDPO Niuland, Sentimenla Pongner and invocation by Sr. inspector DWO, Y. Shikato Jimo and proprietor of Synergy System, Sanjay Kashiwal delivered exhortation. Awards were presented to Henije Zhimomi and Asau Mere. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by chairman Diphupar Village Council, Ghuzui Shohei.