The International Day of Older Persons 2018 was celebrated across Nagaland on October 1. The day has been observed since 1990 when the UN General Assembly designated October 1 as the UN International Day of Older Persons (UNIDOP) to promote an age inclusive agenda.
Kohima: Under the aegis of the Social Welfare department and Nagaland Senior Citizen Forum Kohima, a state level function of International Day of Older Persons with the theme ‘Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions’ was observed at Hotel Japfü, Kohima.
According to DIPR, gracing the occasion, advisor, Rural Development, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire congratulated and wished all the elders on the occasion. Taking note of the constructive suggestions and review for the senior citizens he called upon all sections of society to spread awareness about the benefits and privileges for the aged persons like financial security, health and nutrition, shelter, welfare and protection of life and properties, social security, social insurance, public assistance to old age etc.
Maintaining that Social Welfare department, Food Civil Supplies and Rural Development have certain obligations towards the senior citizens, he promised that a coordination meeting would be held to see how the government could best add to what is available for older persons. He also stated that the pension scheme for old age people will be taken up on priority.
Member Secretary, SLSA, Mezivolu T. Therieh NJS congratulated all the senior citizens for their contributions and for serving the society in different capacities as parents, mentors, leaders of the society.
She also spoke about schemes and legal provisions available to senior citizens under the law.
President, Nagaland Senior Citizen Association Dr. Toshi Ao spoke on behalf of the Senior Citizens Forum highlighting the strengths and weakness of the senior citizens.
Awards were presented to senior citizens in recognition of their contributions to society, Margaret Anne Shishak and Khyomo Lotha were awarded at the State level and Neisevo-u and Thepfulhouvi Solo at the Kohima district level.
Dimapur: Two senior citizens, namely Kedouzulou Wetsah (80) and K. Izheto Zhimomi (85), were recognized and felicitated with certificates on Monday, at Ao Baitist Arogo, Burma camp during the observance of International Day of Older Persons 2018, Dimapur.
The program was organized by the department of social welfare, Dimapur in collaboration with Dimapur District Legal Services Authority (DDLSA).
At the program, legal rights that older people have, were shared by DDLSA secretary, Ajongba Imchen.
He also spoke about pension benefits where he said that persons aged 60 to 79 are entitled to a pension of Rs 200 per month, to which the state government adds an additional Rs 100, raising the pension to Rs. 300 per month. For persons 80 years and above, the pension is Rs. 500 per month, with an additional Rs. 100 from the state government, making a total of Rs. 600 per month. Therefore, he said that each and every elderly person has the right to avail of this benefit. If they are not given their share, they have every right to question the relevant authorities, he said.
Imchen also said that over the years no reports have been filed against this pension scheme because, he opined, that the Naga people do not utilize the RTI Act.
He further assured the gathering that the DDLSA will extend their support in fighting for their rights leaving no stone unturned if they approached it with their grievances and problems.
Gifts were also sent for the senior citizens by advisor, power and DPDB chairman, H Tovihoto Ayemi, who was to attend the program as special invitee but was unable to do so due to unavoidable circumstances.
The program was chaired by DWO Dimapur Tosheli Zhomomi, invocation prayer was pronounced by Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur (LBCD) assistant pastor K Thenjamo Tsanglao, welcome address was delivered by DPO Dimapur S Nezolu Rhakho and special song was presented by “Open Doors” Diphupar.
The program was followed by recognition of the senior citizens, and a vote of thanks was delivered CDPO urban, Robert Odyuo followed by a mass prayer. (Staff Reporter)
Longleng: Longleng observed the day at EBRC hall, Longleng on October 1, with Nuklu Phom, former executive secretary PBCA as the special guest.
According to a DIPR report, Nuklu Phom exhorted the senior citizens with special reference to the theme to the program “Celebrating older human rights champions”. Emphasizing on rights and privileges being denied to senior citizens, discrimination and rejection in the family and society, Nuklu asserted that both abuse and respect begins at home by near and dear ones.
Nuklu also felicitated the senior citizens with personal gifts and gave away a special cash award to 96 year old Rev. L. Shongpang, outreach missionary, the senior most among the gathering and a prominent leader of the Phom community who served as a government servant, national worker and the Phom Baptist Church Association in various capacities till date. Rev. Shongpang also shared his life experience, exhorted his colleagues and invoked Gods’ blessing upon the senior citizens.
Hamnyei Angh, project assistant, Longleng District Legal Service Authority (LDLSA) spoke on Maintenance & Welfare of Parents & Senior Citizens Act 2007 while the president of the Senior Citizens Forum Longleng also lauded the organizing departments of the program.
The program was chaired by Imetoshi and invocation was proposed by associate pastor LTBC Tanlei while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Nyumung K. Phom. The program was organized by the department of Social Welfare in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority, Longleng.
KOAH: Kohima Old Age Home (KOAH) observed the day with elders, where managing director, Neithonuo Liegise gave a short speech. A press release from KOAH stated that, Neithonuo asked families, children and youth to give respect to elderly people in the society, which should start from each family and individual. She also expressed gratitude and appreciation to all senior citizens for their great contributions to society.
The Kohima Mega Dance Fiesta Team entertained the senior citizens with different dance styles. The Nagaland Senior Citizens Forum and Directorate of Social Welfare also visited the event and presented gifts to the senior citizens of the home. Refreshment was provided by Popular Bakery. The program concluded with a prayer for all senior citizens.
NEISSR: NEISSR observed the day with Dr. Amit Das, assistant professor highlighting the importance and origin of the day. According to a press release from NEISSR Dr. Amit reported that according to the population census 2011, there were nearly 104 million elderly persons (aged 60 years and above) in India, out of which 53 million were females and 51 million males. In India there are many old age homes in cities and metropolitan areas.
While the conditions of the elderly persons in the North Eastern region are much better as compared to the mainland area, Dr. Amit also added that commemoration of the International day of Older Persons should be an occasion to re-affirm continued commitment to accept and take best care of the aged. Imnayangla delivered a short message on the importance of the day. The event was chaired by Suikole Zeliang.
DLSAs: The District Legal Services Authorities of Mon, Kohima, Dimapur, Wokha, Mokokchung, Zunheboto, Longleng, Phek and Peren observed “International Day of Older Persons” on the theme “Celebrating older human rights champions” at their respective districts on October 1. A press release from Nagaland State Legal Services Authority public relation assistant stated that the DLSAs observed the day by organizing collaboration programs with Social Welfare department, NGOs and churches, and its members also participated as resource persons.
The Mon District Legal Services Authority organized a collaboration program with department of Social Welfare at Jakphang village.
Speaking on Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act 2007, N Mannon, retainer lawyer MDLSA stated that a senior citizen including a parent who is unable to maintain themselves with their own earnings or property is entitled apply under the act. She said that the obligation of the children to maintain his/her parents extended to the needs of such parent either father or mother or both as the case may be, so that such a parent may lead a normal life.
Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) observed the day at Jotsoma village. KDLSA Team along led by Khesheli Chishi, principal district and session judge Kohima & chairperson KDLSA met around 45 elderly people through a door-to-door visit, spreading awareness about NSLSA schemes, helping in household chores and distributing light blankets.
Wokha District Legal Services Authority (WDLSA) with Legal Literacy Club Members observed the day by attending a program organized by Change Initiative (NGO) at Wozhuro community hall. Meribemo Lotha, project assistant WDLSA and Renbonthung Tsanglao, panel lawyer spoke as resource persons in the program.