International Day of Older Persons was observed in Dimapur at Diphupar Ao Baptist church compound on Saturday with the theme, “take a stand against ageism” with parliamentary secretary of Irrigation and Flood Control, Jacob Zhimomi as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Jacob said that younger generation would not be able to move further without the elders.
He said since forefathers’ time and in Naga tradition, “we have been respecting the elderly persons”, however with the coming of modern society the values have been disturbed a bit. He believed that till today the cultural values were still intact and said that “our traditional roots of respecting the elders should not be lost”.
He also asserted that one should acknowledge and pay attention to the elder persons since “they” were the assets of the society.
He also enlightened the gathering that on December 14, 1990, the UN General Assembly made October 1 as the International Day of Older Persons. The International Day of Older Persons was observed for the first time throughout the world on October 1, 1991.
During the day the department recognized two senior citizens K. Hollohon and Khriemoii Liegise and were awarded with citation and gift hampers. Jacob also gave gift hampers to all the elderly participants.
Earlier, the programme was chaired by District Welfare Officer (DWO), Dimapur, Tosheli Zhimomi, while God’s blessing was invoked by Ao Baptist church Diphupar, pastor N. Lipok Jamir.
Brief speech on theme of the year was delivered by District Programme Office (DPO) Dimapur, Nezolu Rhakho. The programme was enlightened with special numbers by anganwadi children Dimapur and vote of thanks was proposed by CDPO Dhansaripar, Anuo Sazo.
KOHIMA: Life is meant to be celebrated at every stage, and the least “we” owe to the senior citizens is to give them the joy of living a comfortable, contented life for all the years they have contributed to the society, stated secretary Social Welfare, Dellirose M. Sakhrie while addressing the International Day of Older Persons at Zonal Council Hall, Kohima on 1st October 2016.
According to DIPR report, she stressed on the theme and explained that ‘ageism’ was a discrimination faced by a group of bracketed category of people who were in the age of 60 years and above. This sort of discrimination leads to marginalization of the older person in “our” social setup and have negative impact on their health and wellbeing, she said and called upon all to gain a deeper understanding of the various issues faced by the aged people, who were physically, emotionally and mentally fragile so as to minimize and eradicate ageism.
The secretary also informed the gathering that the State Old Age Pension which started in 1981 was merged with the Central scheme Indira Gandhi Old Age Pension and on State/Central share basis the department was presently providing Old Age Pension to 51,750 senior citizens between the age of 60-79 and Old Age Pension to 3161 senior citizens above 80 years.
Exhorting the gathering, N. Theyo said “we” cannot demand respect from the society unless “we respect ourselves and make ourselves respectable and to be positive and look forward to live for another 30 to 50 years”. He also added that one should learn to celebrate the achievements of our young ones without any competition which in turn would keep us young and moving forward.
Dwelling on some problems faced by senior citizens in the state, Theyo said that many problems were faced while payment of bill viz. electricity, water supply, telephone and banks specially SBI where majority of old people draw their pensions as there was no specific counter for older persons. He also requested the media to approach elderly people and highlight their plight. He also mentioned that youngsters should be taught through various forms of visuals/TV etc. how to respect elders and offer helping hand when situation demands.
State award for senior citizens were awarded to Rev Dr. L. Noksangchila, 89 years of age and Dr. C Thridongse, 86 years of age for their contribution to the society. District awards were presented to Vichu-u Zashumo and Chatuo Paphino. All senior citizens present at the programme were also felicitated by the department. A special song was presented by Music Ministry, Chang Baptist Church, Kohima.
Earlier, to mark the observance of International Day of Older Persons a walkathon was organized from directorate of Social Welfare, Raj Bhavan Road to Zonal Council Hall. The walkathon was flagged off by president, Nagaland Senior Citizen Association, Dr. Toshi Ao.
WOKHA: In Wokha the day was observed at Tiyi Town Hall, Wokha on October 1, with ADC, Wokha, Thavaseelan (IAS) as the chief guest.
According to DIPR, addressing the gathering the chief guest said that the day was observed to show gratitude and respect to senior citizens who were once the torch bearers of the society. He said that “we” should reconsider “our” attitude towards older persons but show love and respect because they have played equal responsibility and contributed for the progress of the society.
CDPO, Wokha, Soren Kikon, stated that the day was observed to appreciate the contributions older citizens have made for the progress of the society and to raise awareness about issues concerning them such as health issues, emotional issues, elderly abuse, financial and housing issues. He also highlighted the rights, policies and benefits of older persons introduced by the government.
Thungchano Tsanglao and Rikyho Kikon were presented awards of distinguished senior citizens by the chief guest. The function was chaired by DWO, Wokha Zubemo Kikon while vote of thanks was delivered by chairman Senior Citizen Forum, Wokha.
ZUNHEBOTO: The program was organised by Nagaland Senior Citizen Forum Zunheboto District Unit (NSCFZDU) in collaboration with the department of Social Welfare.
Speaking on the occasion as chief guest, former CMO, Dr. Viheshe Yepthomi said, elders were assets in “our” society and were the storehouse of information, integrity and knowledge. While urging the younger generations to respect elders, the chief guest exhorted the gathering to be ambassadors of change and live exemplary lives.
District Welfare Officer (DWO), S. Wati Ozukum in his brief speech said that ‘Old age is not a curse but a boon’ and urged the gathering to feel proud for the contributions they have given to the society.
Two best district senior citizens were awarded to Khekiye Rochill and Tosheli Chishi. Special prayer for older persons were made by senior pastor, SBCZ, Rev. YevitoJimo. The program was chaired by Izhekhu, president, NSCFZDU, while vote of thanks was proposed by Akuto Chishi.
MON: In Mon the day was organized by the department of Social Welfare under the theme, ‘take a stand against ageism’ with SP Mon, Yangba as guest of honour.
The guest of honour encouraged the older persons to keep themselves engaged. He said that no one can fight against ageism but one can fight for good health. Therefore he encouraged the older persons to keep their health in good condition. He also requested the people to take a pledge to make a difference on the international day of older persons starting from our very own family taking care of elderly people to bring a much needed change.
Free health check up of senior citizens were done by a medical team and Khampei (90 years) and Nonga (80 years) were felicitated as the oldest man and woman respectively.
The programme was led by Wango CDPO, Aboi and Z. Murie, DWO Mon spoke on significance of International Day of Older persons.
AHTHIBUNG: The day was observed at Ahthibung town hall, organised by Social Welfare department with EAC Ahthibung Lithrila as the chief guest.
Lithrila said that the International Day for older person was started in the year 1991 and observed all over the world. Speaking on the theme she said that the old aged persons were not burdens to the society but rather a blessing for the family and the society.
She also congratulated all the elderly for attaining senior citizenship which was the gift from God.
Dr. Thangmong briefed on good health maintenance for elderly person. District welfare officer, Nokcharenla Longchar delivered vote of thanks. She also presented citation along with the cash award to the oldest woman Nemneng (93) and oldest man Sekhose (87).
Earlier, special song was presented by A/W workers of Ahthibung while CDPO Namhuheing chaired the programme. Altogether 155 elderly persons attended the programme.
PHEK: Department of Social Welfare in collaboration with District Legal Service Authority & District Senior Citizen Association Phek observed the day at SIRD Hall, Phek town.
District & session judge, chairman of District Legal Service Authority Phek, Longshi Ezung was the special guest speaker and spoke on “Maintenance and welfare of parents and senior Citizen Act 2007”.
Best senior citizen award was given to Zhetoi Lohe and Nokrolu Dozo. The celebration was led by Shesuyi Vese, president, Phek District Senior Citizen Association. The significance of the day was highlighted by Keneikesangulie CDPO Phek. Vote of thank was pronounced by Khutseyi Vero, executive member, Phek District Senior Citizen Association.
MOKOKCHUNG: Organized by the office of the District Welfare, Mokokchung, the programme was held at Ongpangkong Salang Mokokchung. On the occasion, two Senior Citizens, Imdanglemla of Mopungchuket village and Tekayaba of Mongchen village were felicitated in recognition of their outstanding contribution towards the society. DC Mokokchung Sushil Kumar Patel presented the citation to the awardees.
DC in his speech said that in true sense, people never retired and therefore older persons must not feel that they were a burden but rather consider themselves as asset for the society. He urged upon the older persons to start second innings in life by taking a step forward and by overcoming Ageism.
Talking about human value, DC maintained that life was like an investment as everyone would get in return according to his deeds. As such Sushil Kumar sent a message to the young people that it was our responsibility to take good care of older persons in one’s own family as well as in the society. He further said that society should take blessing from the elders and acknowledge the contributions of the older persons.
Earlier, District Welfare Officer, Mokokchung, Bendangkokba delivered the keynote address, speech on behalf of senior citizens was said by vice president, Mokokchung District Pensioners Association, Tiamongba, special prayer for the older persons was pronounced by pastor, Kumlong Baptish Church Mokokchung, Rev. I. Lima Jamir and vote of thanks was proposed by CDPO Mangkolemba, Imliyanger. The programme was chaired by CDPO Changtongya, Tsungrusungla.
TUENSANG: The programme was organized by United Tuensang Elderly Leaders Union (UTELU) and sponsored by department of Social Welfare with deputy commissioner
Alem Jongshi Tuensang was the chief guest of the function. UTELU also nominated and awarded Apenla, 93 and Yimkyuming, 95 as the oldest female and male respectively of Tuensang.
Alem Jongshi in his speech said that the assembly of such older people should be optimistically called as an assembly of wise people. Basing on the theme he advised the elderly people to live with correct attitude and not just to surrender to old age. He urged them to use their wisdom and experiences to mold the younger generation in right direction. Legal Service Authority of Tuensang also gave an awareness on the rights of elderly people basing on the Maintenance and Welfare of the Parents & Senior citizens Act 2007.
District Welfare Officer Tuensang gave an introductory speech where he elaborated on the schemes and policies of the central and state government to safeguard the elderly people. Special prayer for the senior citizens was pronounced by Rev. Dr. Yanger SBCTT.
KDLSA: Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) celebrated ‘International Day of Older Persons’ with the residents of Old Age Home, Kohima on October 1.
At the event, NJS, chief judicial magistrate, Kohima & secretary, KDLSA, Mezivolu T Therieh, expressed gratitude to the senior citizens for their contributions made to the society. While speaking on “Maintenance and Welfare of Parents And senior Citizens Act 2007,” Therieh said the Act was enacted to provide effective provisions for maintenance and welfare of parents/senior citizens above 60 years.
Under the Act children/heirs were legally obligated to provide maintenance monthly allowance up to Rs. 10,000 to parents/senior citizens.
She also lauded the contributions of the State Government in recognizing the Old Age Home, Kohima and for contributing to the said home.
While highlighting KDLSA activities, she urged the senior citizens to avail the service of the Legal Services Authority without hesitation.
She further encouraged them to have a positive outlook on life and stay active mentally and physically and continue to be an asset to the society.
Aanel lawyer Akumla Longchari, spoke on the topic “Legal Aid and Legal Services.”
Earlier, welcome address was presented by managing director, Old Age Home, Kohima Neithonuo.
She shared how senior citizens were celebrated and respected on the special occasion around the world.
The managing director highlighted the various activities of the Home.
Neithonuo also dwelled on the aims, objectives, and criteria for enrolment as a resident. Altogether 22 senior residents, staff members and panels lawyers from Kohima attended the programme which was chaired by panel lawyer Hisinlo Himb. Nancy Ezung, panel lawyer presented a song and entertainment session was conducted by panel lawyer Esther Khing.
DLSA: Dimapur Legal Services Authority (DLSA) in collaboration with Criminal Justice Fellowship Program, Tata Institute of Social Sciences, celebrated the day at the Tribal Old Age Home.
The program was chaired by advocate Sentimenla. In her welcome speech, Nikita Engheepi, Criminal Justice Fellow said that the day was to celebrate all the older people and value them. She highlighted the problem of Ageism and how unfortunately, it was slowly growing in the state as well. She said that law was equally available for all and thus it was important for the older people to understand and know their rights. Advocate Esther further emphasised on the various schemes and rights that were available for them. Healthcare, travelling and also mandatory care of them by their children and relatives were also highlighted. Advocate Zuchembeni ended the program by speaking about the role of legal aid.
Gift and refreshment was served and the team then sat for an informal session where the older persons spoke about their grievances and cleared their confusions on the rights available to them.